EIC calls for extension of construction emissions policy

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has welcomed a new London scheme to improve air quality in the capital, and calls for it to be implemented in other UK cities.

From September, construction sites in London will be required to start replacing or retrofitting with pollution controls machinery such as diggers, cranes, generators and bulldozers to ensure new emissions standards are met. Such machinery is currently the source of 15% of particulate matter pollution and 12% of the toxic gas nitrogen dioxide within London.

With 9,500 people dying prematurely in London each year as a result of long term air pollution, emissions regulation for construction machinery is key to ensuring clean air in London.

Matthew Farrow, EIC executive director said: “This scheme is the result of five years of lobbying by EIC and we strongly welcome it. Emissions from construction sites are a much bigger problem than most of us realise and the scheme will help clean up construction machinery and improve the health of Londoners. We have worked closely with the Mayor’s advisers and other stakeholders to ensure the scheme makes use of the most effective, up to date environmental technology. Once the scheme has bedded in appropriate enforcement will be vital.

“London is not the only city where construction emissions are a health risk and we call on city leaders across the UK to adopt similar scheme.”

 

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