June 6, 2021
HS2’s green tech innovations support city clean air drive

HS2’s green tech innovations support city clean air drive

On the first day of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone HS2 Ltd outlines how the project’s new low-carbon technology will support Birmingham City Council’s objective to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the city. HS2 is going way beyond requirements to lower carbon and emissions on its construction sites, and

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Issue 325 : Feb 2025

June 6, 2021

HS2’s green tech innovations support city clean air drive

HS2’s green tech innovations support city clean air drive

On the first day of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone HS2 Ltd outlines how the project’s new low-carbon technology will support Birmingham City Council’s objective to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the city. HS2 is going way beyond requirements to lower carbon and emissions on its construction sites, and with HS2’s Curzon Street Station site in the city centre, the project confirms that the use of the latest, cleanest technology will lower emissions, protecting the environment and keeping people safe. A whole range of innovations are being introduced to cut emissions and improve local air quality, not just in Birmingham but right across the project. These include hybrid, zero emissions machinery, renewable energy, alternative fuels and recycled products. In addition, HS2 is leading a series of ground-breaking trials in conjunction with academia and its supply chain, set to bring massive improvements in local air quality and welfare conditions for construction site workers, with wider positive public health and environmental benefits for communities. The project has set standards for the use of the lowest emitting vehicle engines across all contractors, as well as set targets for contractors to go beyond these, as technology improves. In addition, the project has also set industry leading emissions standards for all machinery including excavators, dumpers, large cranes and piling machines. HS2’s top ten air quality innovations: HS2’s Air Quality Lead Andrea Davidson said: “It’s vital that we improve air quality in our towns and cities. As construction work ramps up across Phase One, HS2 is working with our contractors, supply chain, UK manufacturers and academia to cut emissions by developing ways to reduce reliance on diesel, and to promote the use of alternative technologies such as full electric, renewables, hydrogen fuel-cell and hybrid technology. “Birmingham Clean Air Zone is also about encouraging people to change their transport habits. By providing a cleaner, greener way to travel, HS2 will help cut the number of cars and lorries on our roads, cut demand for domestic flights, and help the country’s push to reduce carbon emissions.” In 2017, road traffic accounted for 91% of transport emissions. In the same year cars, taxis and light vans were responsible for 70% of road transport emissions. By moving high speed trains on to a new, dedicated intercity line, HS2 will free up space on the existing rail network to run more local and regional commuter trains. With more reliable, local frequent stopping services available, people will be able to make the shift from road to rail and cut their carbon footprint. This will help to reduce emissions from road transport, reduce congestion and improve the quality of our air.

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