EKFB, a joint venture delivering significant sections of HS2, has been awarded Platinum status by the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) for its commitment to sustainable practices. This recognition highlights the success of their innovative Digital Earthworks programme, known as DIGGER.
DIGGER harnesses the power of data from hundreds of earthmoving machines to optimise operations and minimise environmental impact. By monitoring vehicle movements, fuel consumption, and idle time, the system has already saved over £25 million for the project.
It makes extensive use of data from 700 earthmoving machines, which are fitted with electronic weight sensors to monitor the millions of cubic metres of rock and earth that needs to be moved across the line’s 80km central section and telemetry devices that monitor utilisation of machines on site.
This includes graders, loading shovels, dozers and compactors used on site as well as trucks and excavators. Anti-idling is also a key priority, not only to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity, but also as a protective measure to minimise workers’ exposure to black carbon, improving their working conditions and benefiting the local community. This is achieved through the use of telematic data and workforce training.
Andrea Davidson, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Carbon & Climate Change said: “Platinum status is a fantastic achievement for EKFB and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved. Their new processes are already cutting unnecessary vehicle movements and helping to optimise our earthmoving programme as well as boosting our supply chain management.
“Across the whole project, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint in construction and it’s great to see our contractors engaging with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to ensure best practice is actively being shared across the whole industry.”
Craig Downs, EKFB’s Plant Manager said: “This is a tremendous achievement for not just EKFB but for our entire supply chain. In just seven months we’ve elevated from gold to platinum status – an incredible testament to the unwavering dedication of everyone involved.
“By not only adhering to the HS2 Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) process but surpassing the targets set, we’ve achieved significant reductions in hydrocarbons and tailpipe emissions, as well as marked improvements in engine stages. This milestone underscores our collective commitment to sustainability and excellence’’.
The SCSS Plant Charter, launched in 2020, encourages organisations to adopt measures that reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. By meeting the highest standards and sharing best practices, EKFB has set a new benchmark for sustainable construction.
Alan Silvester, EKFB’s Carbon Manager said: “The DIGGER system has been invaluable to EKFB, helping us monitor heavy plant vehicle performance, fuel usage, and inefficiencies. By using real-time data, we aim to reduce carbon emissions through improved operator training and eco-friendly practices. The system also supports data-driven decisions, such as load optimisation and resolving site road issues, enhancing efficiency and lowering emissions.”
James Cadman, Head of Consultancy & Climate, Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The Plant, Tools and Equipment Charter is a clear declaration that organisations are committed to taking tangible steps to reduce air quality impacts and carbon emissions. EKFB has reaffirmed its dedication to these goals by being amongst one of the first companies in the UK to achieve Platinum certification in the Charter.
“The recent introduction of the Platinum level highlights the highest standard of excellence, and EKFB’s achievement acknowledges the outstanding efforts they’ve made—and continue to make—in minimising air quality impacts and reducing carbon emissions.”
