Carnell to Expand Renewable Fuel Use After 90% Cut in Emissions in Trial with Speedy

Highways maintenance contractor Carnell plan to expand its use of renewable fuel to power its projects after cutting its CO2e emissions on a Carlisle scheme by 90%.

The trial delivered with construction services provider Speedy, used HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel, to power lighting equipment and the site compound for a Highways England central reserve barrier upgrade project on the M6.

The scheme, which spans six kilometres between junction 42 and 43, has used almost 7000 litres of the renewable fuel since October, emitting just 0.25 tonnes of CO2e compared to the 17.73 tonnes expected from standard diesel – the equivalent of three average cars running for a year.

Carnell now expects to increase the use of Speedy HVO fuel on further projects as it works to protect air quality for communities near its schemes. The company works closely with Highways England, other transport authorities and tier one maintenance service providers, on projects from bridge replacements to major intersection improvements.

Speedy chose Green D+ HVO fuel as its preferred low-emission fuel solution last year as part of its commitment to supporting customers in minimising their emissions and environmental impact. The business recently invested £5 million to improve its portfolio of sustainable fuel and power solutions.

Lee Gill, plant and transport director at Carnell, said: “Our responsibility for safety extends beyond the physical infrastructure that we’re contracted to build and maintain. Switching to low-emission renewable fuel will minimise the impact we have on the communities we build for by ensuring we contribute towards reducing local air pollution.

“The trial with Speedy has delivered a significant impact on reducing emissions output and we look forward to rolling it out across our project portfolio – powering us to build safer roads while contributing to cleaner air.”

Mike Derome, head of fuel at Speedy, said: “We’re delighted to play a role in assisting in Carnell’s community-first approach by enabling its switch to renewable fuel. 

“Our aim is to provide products that help customers adapt to meet net-zero emission targets, while assisting them in meeting Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) regulations on pollutants. Green D+ HVO fuel is an exciting addition to our portfolio, with its potential to significantly reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.

“We’re actively investing in our renewable fuel division to help the industry make the switch as operators strive to slash pollution, while achieving the same performance as regular diesel in the same equipment with no modification requirements. It forms a key part of our ESG programme ‘Energise’ which sets out to facilitate sustainable practices throughout the construction supply chain.”

To find out more about Speedy’s HVO fuel range, visit: speedyservices.com/hvo-fuel