Site Innovation: Is low carbon tech leading the way?
Episode 143 of the FOOTPRINT+ podcasts podcast, hosted by FOOTPRINT+, titled "Site Innovation: Is low carbon tech leading the way?" was published on September 18, 2025 and runs 44 minutes.
September 18, 2025 ·44m · FOOTPRINT+ podcasts
Summary
When we’re thinking about emissions in the construction sector, it’s important to address not just what you build, but also how you build it. The drive towards emission-free sites is delivering operational efficiency across the industry, while simultaneously reducing air and noise pollution on construction sites. At 25 Baker Street, a mixed-use development for Derwent London, a combination of diesel elimination, lower carbon plant and smart site management reduced site emissions by >80% versus baseline. The client, plant and construction team will discuss key technologies such as: Flybrid flywheels – used on tower cranes, this innovative technology is adapted from F1, using a flywheel to store energy during “low” periods to use later, reducing fuel use by up to 50%. Electric plant was used on site, eliminating the risk of fuel spills, reducing noise and air pollution. The potential for electric tools and innovative battery storage to reduce fuel use. The use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in place of diesel, delivering >90% reduction in emissions. The panel will discuss the benefits as well as the challenges, and go on to consider how this market may evolve further. Speakers Rossella Nicolin, Head of Sustainability– Europe - Laing O’Rourke Samantha Carlsson, Senior Sustainability Manager - Derwent London Steve Bradby, Technical and Engineering Leader - Select Plant Hire
Episode Description
When we’re thinking about emissions in the construction sector, it’s important to address not just what you build, but also how you build it. The drive towards emission-free sites is delivering operational efficiency across the industry, while simultaneously reducing air and noise pollution on construction sites. At 25 Baker Street, a mixed-use development for Derwent London, a combination of diesel elimination, lower carbon plant and smart site management reduced site emissions by >80% versus baseline.
The client, plant and construction team will discuss key technologies such as:
- Flybrid flywheels – used on tower cranes, this innovative technology is adapted from F1, using a flywheel to store energy during “low” periods to use later, reducing fuel use by up to 50%.
- Electric plant was used on site, eliminating the risk of fuel spills, reducing noise and air pollution.
- The potential for electric tools and innovative battery storage to reduce fuel use.
- The use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in place of diesel, delivering >90% reduction in emissions.
The panel will discuss the benefits as well as the challenges, and go on to consider how this market may evolve further.
Speakers Rossella Nicolin, Head of Sustainability– Europe - Laing O’Rourke Samantha Carlsson, Senior Sustainability Manager - Derwent London Steve Bradby, Technical and Engineering Leader - Select Plant Hire