The energy crisis has been a hot topic in the news for months. It’s no secret that the ongoing energy price hike across the world will impact every sector, business and household this winter. In this article, we asked Matt Llewellyn how the gas price increase will affect the construction sector and look at sustainable solutions that are on offer to reduce costs.
How will the energy crisis impact business?
Since the global pandemic costs have surged and all sectors are being impacted one way or another. The construction sector has already faced many trials including its environmental impact and increased expenses. While these will continue to be an issue, there is a new threat afoot – the cost of energy this winter.
The energy crisis can’t be pinned down to one thing, a combination of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the Russian war which has resulted in the price of energy drastically increasing. The construction sector is already seeing delays in the production of major building materials such as steel, bricks, cement and concrete with demand outstripping supply due to the energy cost increases.
How are firms dealing with the rising costs?
In April this year, the Government announced a new 2022 Energy Strategy which looks to accelerate the UK towards a low-carbon, energy independent future. While it claims to offer solutions to the dual problems of rising energy prices and threats to natural gas supplies, many have highlighted that it contains outdated elements which run conversely to net-zero targets.
But ultimately, the construction sector could see major movements to more environmentally friendly options and organisations could choose more sustainable energy and decarbonisation options due to it being cheaper in the long run. If businesses focus on net-zero construction, it could help improve the future energy situation, as well as adhere to government incentives.
Many forward-thinking businesses are already reaping the benefits of lower running costs as they have 2050 net-zero targets in mind.
What options are out there?
Wind power, hydropower and solar power can all be utilized in the construction sector and stored in the short term. Focusing on energy-based methods like these reduces the need for businesses to turn to fossil fuels and lowers the strain on resources and the planet.
Contractors can also explore gas alternatives such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a drop-in or substitute fuel which can achieve up to a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. As of 2021, all of MHM’s diesel-powered machinery, principally generators and lighting towers, are now fully compatible, approved and safe for use with HVO fuel.
With our latest initiative, the MHM Eco range offers lower-emission solutions to the plant hire and construction sectors. The Street-Lite lighting tower is a key product in MHM Eco’s range. It was developed to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption at depots across the UK. Designed with lorry parks and walkways in mind, the diminutive Street-Lite is very simple to use and set up.
How MHM can help?
As a leading supplier of a range of sustainable equipment, including solar hybrid generators and lighting towers, the MHM Group has launched a new eco initiative that offers lower-emission solutions to the plant hire and construction sectors.
MHM continues to increase its hire fleet, with more than 30% of our equipment being solar and battery hybrid machines, as part of a comprehensive approach to a sustainable future. The MHM Group is also here to support those industries affected by, and help with the transition from, red diesel and beyond.
If you require further product information, please contact us on 08081 689 099