In Februarys' #TalkingHighways blog, Anna Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing at Solar Gates UK, talks about the importance of solar in helping to reduce carbon and reach net zero within road construction and operation.
'Critics argue that relying on offsets may divert attention from addressing the root causes of emissions and can be less effective in delivering tangible environmental benefits. Reducing energy consumption is crucial. Genuine on-site sustainable practices, such as low energy engineering in highway construction, are considered more direct and impactful way of reducing carbon footprints'
Entitled, Building from the Solar Upwards: Solar Engineering’s Role in Road Construction, Anna Blake explains; "As we start a brand-new year and are embracing a new year’s mindset of progress; environmental sustainability is a key factor for every business in our industry. The highway’s industry is no different as it focuses on Net-Zero, striving towards government targets and carbon monitoring from National Highways. As an industry we are embracing greener technologies and practices to reduce carbon footprints. Equally ‘greenwashing’ tactics are becoming more widely understood. The reality of carbon offsetting might well be well intentioned but raises concerns about its environmental efficacy.
Critics argue that relying on offsets may divert attention from addressing the root causes of emissions and can be less effective in delivering tangible environmental benefits. Reducing energy consumption is crucial. Genuine on-site sustainable practices, such as low energy engineering in highway construction, are considered more direct and impactful way of reducing carbon footprints.
The use of Solar does not have to mean a diminished productivity or inferior outcomes. With innovative engineering and knowledgeable application, products can be more efficient and cost effective. Several HS2 construction sites utilise the Solar capacity of our SOSEC barriers whilst also enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Read the full Talking Highways, BLOG here.