Colas Trials Electric Excavator

Colas continues to drive green innovation exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions on its project sites. In collaboration with the hire company, GAP Group Ltd, Colas SIAC has taken delivery this week of a purpose-built electrical excavator at the £38m scheme for major improvement works to the A46 Stoneleigh Junction.

The new 19C-1E is the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. The model that has been purchased and supplied to Colas from GAP has the enhanced fast charger on it which allows it to work all day on a single charge. The project team have been impressed by the performance. Colas CEO Carl Fergusson said “Developing environmentally friendly solutions has the highest priority at Colas. The project team at the A46 have welcomed the opportunity to have this new electric mini excavator on behalf of the rest of Colas Ltd and have used it for a number of site activities to further extend our understanding of the best use for this important zero emissions solution.”

JCB is leading the way in clean technology and reducing harmful emissions, In addition to zero carbon emissions, the innovative excavator also reduces noise levels by 7db. Colas is trialling this excavator for multiple uses such as minor road works in the regional business and as shown today, within the Colas UK Projects business for major schemes.

Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities, said: "Warwickshire County Council is fully committed to addressing the climate change emergency, reducing its carbon footprint and overall impact on climate change. We welcome the fact that our construction partner, Colas, will be trialling the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator on the A46 Stoneleigh Junction Improvement Scheme.

"This innovative excavator is not only good for the environment, due to its zero-carbon emissions, it is also noticeably quieter than alternative non-electric excavators on the market leading to a reduction in noise pollution on the project. This is one of a number of environmentally conscious initiatives that Colas will be implementing as part of the Stoneleigh junction scheme, which we wholeheartedly commend them for."

Colas has exciting plans over the next few months for more green innovations on its sites including installation of green charging points at the A46 project site and use of more electric plant and equipment.

This month saw the Colas Group hold its first global environmental day, which was focussed on reducing carbon emissions and is part of the global CSR strategy launched in November 2020. In the UK, Colas has been working on reducing environmental impact for some time and following an audit has recently been recommended for the ISO 50001 Energy Management System for a further three years. The audit reviewed manufacturing sites where Colas have been carrying out a number of energy efficiency projects including the introduction of LPG to replace heavy fuels at Carnsew quarry.

Mark Anderson, Managing Director North, at GAP commented: “GAP’s aim is to be net zero by 2040 and we are always working with this in mind. On a regular basis, we work closely with suppliers and customers to introduce new environmentally friendly products to the
various industries and sectors we operate in.

“GAP is delighted to be collaborating with Colas, encouraging use of this innovative and environmental product throughout the construction industry and beyond.”

Colas has a long standing relationship with GAP Group who is working closely with suppliers and customers to introduce new environmentally friendly products to the construction industry. This is just one example of how GAP is supporting Colas to achieve their environmental goals.