Doing our bit for the environment

We’ve recently commenced operations utilising a Kubota Excavator KX085-5 - which runs on bio fuel - for a number of our projects. This has had positive environmental, financial and reputational impact, showcasing A R Banks’ position at the forefront of the groundworks industry. 

Using biofuel offers many benefits. For a start, the use of biofuels results in lower carbon emissions as they produce significantly less CO₂ than conventional diesel - some studies suggest up to an 85% reduction when using pure biodiesel (B100). 

Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are made from renewable resources (i.e. waste cooking oil, plant oils, animal fats), supporting circular economy principles. Biofuels are also less harmful in the event of a spill; they’re biodegradable meaning they break down naturally in the environment, reducing the potential for pollution.

While biofuel may not be the cheapest fuel option currently, the cost is likely to decrease as availability and demand grows.

Many modern diesel engines can run on biofuel blends with little or no modification, reducing the cost of transitioning to a greener fleet. In some regions, companies using biofuels can benefit from government subsidies, reduced fuel duty, green procurement initiatives or grants.

We aim to expand our biofuel usage over time to align our corporate social responsibility goals and strengthen our green credentials, which may also prove valuable for winning tenders from environmentally-conscious clients.

A little more info on the KX085-5…

• The KX085-5’s advanced Kubota engine and robust hydraulic system provides complete reliability and enhanced operability. The KX085-5 has a luxurious cabin with generous legroom and a deluxe seat to ensure operator comfort for short and long jobs alike.
• Easy maintenance and advanced technology ensures complete safety for the operator and those in the vicinity.
• You can opt to equip the KX085-5 with a two-piece boom for an expanded working range, enhanced dumping range and increased efficiency in narrow spaces.

Which projects has the KX085-5 been utilised on?

• Pulborough RSPB: we shaped wetlands for migrating birds
• Thames Water: we excavated and shaped a pond to enhance the surrounding wildlife 

The KX085-5 is the obvious choice for these types of projects as it ensures lower emissions and less pollution to the surrounding areas and local wildlife.

Environmental focus

We do all we can to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum in all areas. For us this starts with making environmentally aware decisions in the office such as energy-efficient lighting and a dedicated office recycling system.

We’re also committed to keeping our fleet’s fuel consumption down as much as possible, and we make this happen with our attention to routing which ensures that no unnecessary miles are driven. We meticulously plan all of our drivers’ routes, making sure jobs are undertaken in the most logical order, saving both emissions and time.

Our accreditations

We’ve held FORS Silver Status for the past eight years, demonstrating the high standards we maintain in fleet management and operations. As part of this, we must demonstrate and provide evidence of the following measures:

• Monitoring of our emission levels
• Driver management strategies for fuel efficiency 
• Ethical practices for minimising noise

We hold CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) Elite Status. To obtain this status, we had to meet the criteria for CHAS Premium Accreditation, demonstrating compliance with core health and safety regulations and standards, as well as other aspects including environmental sustainability.

Find out more about us, and get in touch to discover how we can assist you with your next project.