In his latest guest writer feature, Andy Grayshon, commercial director at Welfare Hire, explains how the right data could help managers make better – and greener – decisions about their onsite setup.
In October 2021, government published its main climate change policy, Build Back Greener – an ambitious road map for achieving net zero by 2050. Just a year later, it refreshed this document – simultaneously admitting that its policies would only enable it to achieve 92 per cent of the required emissions cuts.
It’s clear that organisations must act now if these targets are to be met, making operations more sustainable and working to reduce their impact on the environment. But they also need to make informed decisions, ensuring that new policies and eco-friendly equipment deliver the required net zero gains.
Eco tools support decision-making and unlock green gains
With this in mind, the Rail Delivery Group recently announced that it would be launching a carbon calculator as part of its Green Travel Pledge. The industry-first tool will provide detailed, reliable data on the carbon emissions associated with any rail journey at the point of sale, helping business travellers to establish how much carbon they could save by choosing rail.
This calculator is expected, not just to demonstrate the eco benefits of rail travel, but to help organisations and their employees make greener, more informed choices.
And similar tools are being developed for supply chain partners and infrastructure managers, who are under increasing pressure to decarbonise their worksites.
Welfare Hire’s innovative Eco Calculator is one such tool, created after the launch of our eco-friendly welfare units and lighting. From the outset, our goal was simple: to develop a resource that would help rail site managers understand the potential financial and environmental impact of this equipment and make truly informed decisions.
Emissions data to inform site setup choices
This easy-to-use Eco Calculator provides a clear overview of the carbon, cost, fuel, and even noise savings managers could make if they hired any of our lighting or welfare equipment.
And the tool is powered by real site data, giving users confidence in the figures it provides. Developing it was no mean feat: for more than two years, we collated data from thousands of projects and over half a million site days. The result is proof-positive calculations, and a tool that demonstrates how our units actually perform.
Access to this kind of data is invaluable. It enables site managers to make budgetary decisions, establishing which unit would be right for their rail project. It also helps them to set net zero targets, source equipment that will support their existing sustainability strategy, and even justify investments to stakeholders.
Insights into onsite equipment
And access to reliable data isn’t just important at the point of sale. As ESG reporting becomes a priority for project managers, intelligent equipment can help them to monitor carbon emissions onsite.
Higher-end equipment is now fitted with smart sensors, which monitor everything from water to energy usage. This data (often accessible via an online dashboard) can be used to ensure that assets are operating as efficiently as possible, and to inform decisions about servicing and maintenance. With the right intelligence, managers can also create more accurate and detailed ESG reports.
It’s for these reasons that we fit our high-end eco-welfare units with smart telemetry systems, providing data on their performance either mid or end project.
And, armed with the right data, it’s easy to make a case for greener choices – whether that’s travelling by train, or investing in eco-friendly welfare equipment and lighting.
