2 September 2015

Costain is supporting the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) event this month, underlining its commitment to delivering innovative business solutions through low carbon technology.

The free-to-attend event at Millbrook in Bedfordshire is now in its eighth year and takes place on September 9 and 10. The event is set to attract over 2,500 delegates and includes a comprehensive seminar programme, a technology exhibition with broad B2B focus, a Ride & Drive in a test track environment and networking activities.

The event is run by Cenex, the UK's first centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies. Established in 2005, Cenex is an independent not-for-profit organisation specialising in the delivery of projects that support innovation and market development, focusing on low carbon vehicles and the associated energy infrastructure. LCV is the biggest event of its kind in Europe, attracting international organisations from both the public and private sectors.

Innovation and commercial development are key drivers of Costain’s Engineering Tomorrow strategy and its commitment to identifying, developing and implementing innovative solutions to meet the UK’s major national infrastructure needs. Embracing low carbon technology is a major component of that vision.

“Costain is committed to delivering efficient business solutions through low carbon technology. To assist our teams and business partners, we continually look to enhance our business procedures and provide business-led events for our supply chain and the wider industry. The LCV event is another way of collaborating with industry-leading businesses to meet the demands of a low carbon future,” said Tim Embley, Costain’s Group Innovation and Knowledge Manager.

Costain has a strong track record of engaging with its supply chain to improve the fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability of its equipment for the benefit of its customers. Following an analysis of its carbon footprint data in 2014, the Company decided to explore gas oil consumption in mobile plant. Costain’s normalised emissions from gas oil consumption had nearly doubled, from 5.62tCo2e/£m to 10.27tCo2e/£m in 2014.

A group of Costain’s SHE graduates undertook a research project to see where gas oil was being used on site. They were then asked to come up with potential solutions to improve efficiency and reduce consumption. The group’s findings formed the basis of a supply chain seminar, which was organised in conjunction with construction machinery manufacturer JCB, to develop real solutions to the problem of gas oil emissions on its sites.

The event in July looked at alternative energy sources and what a future construction site might look like. It also examined how a more integrated approach to transport, using telematics, could help to reduce future gas oil consumption. The event was attended by senior leaders from 14 plant suppliers, as well as Costain representatives from innovation, supply chain management, store managers, SHE and plant coordinators from the Company’s main gas oil-consuming sectors.

“The response we’ve had from suppliers that are keen to collaborate with us as we go on this journey has been incredible. We have improved our understanding significantly and are creating a space in which new, innovative solutions can be shared and tested as we continue to champion resource efficiency across our portfolio of projects,” said Damien Canning, Costain’s Carbon Manager.

Costain’s Engineering Tomorrow strategy recognises that to address the UK’s national infrastructure needs, the Company needs to invest in technology, formulate innovative solutions, devise new ways of working and pass on crucial knowledge to its partners and customers.

“By forging strong relationships with our supply chain, we can produce innovative carbon solutions that benefit the cost-effective delivery of our projects. Through these relationships, we can work with our partners to prioritise their resources and capabilities to address the industry’s needs,” said Martin Orrells, Costain’s General Manager for Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

Commenting on Costain’s support, Keith Budden, Head of Business Development at Cenex, said: “Costain’s involvement in the LCV event demonstrates its commitment to its supply chain in reducing carbon pollution and for delivering more cost-effective vehicle solutions. The Company has shown that it is actively encouraging manufacturers to consider and prioritise low carbon options in vehicle and construction plant. This type of approach will ensure that low carbon remains at the heart of technological improvements and deliver a reduction in total cost of ownership.”

For more information about Cenex and the free-to-attend LCV event, please click here.

 

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