As the UK moves towards its target of net zero emissions, aggregate businesses are having to work hard to minimise their impact on the environment. With 13 years’ experience in the sector, Matt Wardle at Flogas Britain looks at how a simple switch from oil to LPG or LNG can help businesses dramatically improve their environmental footprint – all whilst improving efficiencies and cutting costs.
It’s no secret that extracting aggregates and manufacturing building materials is highly fuel intensive. Because of this, aggregate companies are constantly looking at ways they can operate more efficiently, drive down costs and minimise their carbon footprint.
Reducing emissions has become a particularly pressing issue for those not connected to the mains gas grid, with many still reliant on carbon-heavy fossil fuels like oil to power their processes. Thanks to the government’s legally binding target to bring the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050, the pressure is on to make their operations cleaner and greener. Not only this, but they also face the prospect of inflated costs now that rebated fuel duty on red diesel and gas oil is under consultation.
As a result, we’re now seeing an influx of aggregate producers keen to switch to alternative fuels so they can cut carbon, improve air quality and power their businesses more efficiently into the future.
The business benefits of liquid gas
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) offer a particularly attractive solution to the off-grid construction industry. They have the lowest CO2 emissions of any off-grid conventional fuel, and a 20% lower carbon intensity than oil.1 This means those switching from oil to liquid gas can make major carbon savings. In fact, at Flogas we’re saving businesses more than 35,000 tonnes of CO2 a year by switching them from oil to LPG.2
LPG and LNG are smoke-free burning fuels that emit far fewer pollutants, such as nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx). Plus, they virtually eliminate particulate matter (PM) – a major contributor to air pollution.3
But it’s not just compelling eco credentials that are swaying companies to switch. Aggregate businesses are also enjoying the benefits of a reliable, low maintenance, abundant fuel that has the potential to boost their bottom line too. Flogas customers in the construction industry have been able to make impressive financial savings of up to 19% after switching from oil to LPG.4
A simple switch
Switching from oil to gas couldn’t be simpler. At Flogas, we manage the entire process and ensure no disruption to your business, so there’s no need to worry about costly downtime. We have worked with the construction industry for more than 35 years, so we understand your energy needs. Our expert team designs a solution that best meets your fuel requirements, and we manage everything, from civil works right through to installation and commissioning. It’s a complete turnkey, stress-free solution.
Service you can rely on
The support doesn’t stop there. We have the UK’s largest off-grid LPG delivery network, so wherever your business is, it will always have the power it needs. Our tanks are also fitted with auto-ordering technology. This alerts us when your fuel levels are running low so we can always keep you topped up. We also provide dedicated account managers for day-to-day support and our engineers take care of any tank maintenance.
Your path to Net Zero
As the UK transitions towards its commitment of ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, renewable green gases bio-LPG and bio-LNG are set to become a vital part of the off-grid energy mix. These can be simply dropped into the UK’s established LPG and LNG network without any changes to infrastructure or equipment. This means forward-thinking aggregate companies switching to liquid gas now, will be perfectly placed to benefit from biogas in the future.
In the meantime, Flogas offers a Carbon Offsetting Initiative for businesses, which allows them to offset unavoidable gas carbon emissions and switch on the savings straight away. Using ‘carbon credits’ they can compensate for their emissions by funding verified sustainability projects around the world that deliver quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions.
Want to gain ground with liquid gas?
For more information on how LPG or LNG could benefit your business, or to become part of our Carbon Offsetting Initiative, click here or call 0800 0778 557.
- Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2019 – BEIS: The role of LPG & bioLPG in Europe, WLPGA
- Flogas Figures: August 2020
- Liquid Gas UK: Gas for Off-grid Britain
- https://www.flogas.co.uk/case-studies/pat-munro