Leaders in Demolition, Land Remediation and Earthworks Commit to Low Carbon Economy

About Cawarden Co. Ltd

Cawarden Co. Ltd are leaders in delivering demolition, land remediation, and earthworks projects across the UK. Cawarden aims to reduce its environmental impact and supports the shift toward a low carbon economy. The company was further seeking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to fulfil its commitments to environmental sustainability.

Why they engage with DE-Carbonise?

In line with changes announced by the UK Government, from 1st April 2022, Cawarden will no longer be able to use rebated red diesel (gas oil) to power their vehicles and equipment. As an alternative, Cawarden decided to opt for GreenD + HVO, fossil-free, paraffinic fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials. Produced from waste fats and vegetable oils, the fats are transformed into biofuel by hydrogenation. While this is a positive step towards cleaner environment ambitions, such a notable change also presents challenges – a major transition that needs to be planned and managed carefully. Because of that, from June to August 2021, Cawarden did a pilot project to test the efficiency of the new fuel with one of their excavators. Although the firm has not observed improvements in performance, it noticed a reduction in the noise levels associated with the operations of the machinery. Cawarden has done a phased transition to the new fuel, complying with the regulations change in April 2022.

What has the impact been of working with DE-Carbonise?

An Emissions audit was conducted by the DE-Carbonise team, which was used as the basis for a DE-Carbonise Action Plan.

The action plan included clear steps for monitoring emissions and evaluation of recommendations, which included a phased transition to Green Diesel + HVO and installing EV (electric vehicles) charging infrastructure.

The Cawarden team have embraced their de-carbonisation journey with an open mind and have made huge progress within a short space of time to evaluate, quantify and act.

“Over time we will concentrate on all aspects to deliver reductions and improvements” with changes to Cawarden’s fuel to greener alternatives resulting in the following benefits:

• Annual carbon saving of 1,336.44 tonnes of carbon, a 76% reduction.
• Reduction in maintenance costs
• Reduction of noise levels
• Local air quality improvements
• Fuel efficiency improvements

Cawarden has become an exemplar to other businesses that use heavy plants, demonstrating the cost and environmental benefits that can be gained through collaborating with university partners on pro-environmental business process improvement.

The Cawarden team has also been massively supportive in sharing the knowledge they have developed through the DE-Carbonise project and their own endeavours. They have done this by giving online and in-person talks, that help to create awareness and inspire other like-minded organisations to take the leap and start their de-carbonisation journey.

About DE-Carbonise

DE-Carbonise is a three year collaboration between the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, which started in November 2019. The collaboration is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and follows on from the successful D2 Energy Efficiency/Low Carbon project.

Get in contact with us

To find out about current support available for your business in reducing your environmental impact, or your journey to net-zero. Please get in contact with our business gateway team.

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