Ainscough anticipates that the adoption of HVO will result in a further CO2 reduction of up to 90%, saving in excess of 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. An additional 5% reduction has been achieved through wider energy-saving initiatives with the residual circa 5% met via the use of UK-based residual carbon offsetting, making the company carbon-neutral.
HVO is a renewable diesel alternative made largely of recycled vegetable oil. Ainscough is sourcing HVO through a guaranteed sustainable supply chain.
HVO can be used as a direct replacement for diesel – meaning no modifying of Ainscough’s fleet is required ‐ and has a storage life over ten times that of traditional diesel, providing consistent performance in all conditions. Crane manufacturer Liebherr has supported the extensive trials of HVO across Ainscough’s fleet to confirm emissions, performance, and viability.
Peter Gibbs, chief executive officer, Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “Our fuel usage is the most significant aspect of our carbon footprint, accounting for the vast majority of the business’s carbon emissions.
“This adoption has been made possible thanks to the sheer breadth of our depot network, meaning our team will have easy access to refueling locations across the country.
“Ainscough has a long and proud history of pioneering to the benefit of the construction industry and the communities in which we work. It has taken a phenomenal amount of research and effort to get us to this point, but I’m confident that this latest step is our company’s most important innovation yet.”
The company is supported in its environmental strategy by its majority owner Blackstone, which welcomed the news today.
Paulo Eapen, European Head of Blackstone Credit, said: “We are proud to be Ainscough’s partner, and becoming carbon neutral puts the company at the forefront of sustainable leadership in its sector. We look forward to continuing to work with Ainscough to innovate and grow the business sustainably.”