Westminster’s ground-breaking low-carbon roadworks

A six-week project (starting 23rd September, 2020) to repair public highways and upgrade the footway in King St in the heart of Westminster will see the exclusive use of electric vehicles, tools, welfare, and recycled equipment, to remove the traditional need for diesel and petrol engines and cut carbon emissions by almost 75% compared to traditional industry methods.

Further measures will include the use of:

            Electric JCB excavators and ground tools

            Electric ZipCar for carbon-free transport to and from site

            ‘GreenPatch’, an FM Conway recycled asphalt product

            Quieter electric equipment will reduce noise pollution to local residents

            EV charging points for electric vehicles and tools which will remain in situ for local residents as a legacy of this project

            E-cargo bike for small deliveries

As a local authority set at the heart of London, Westminster Council delivers approximately £50m worth of public realm repair and rejuvenation projects each year, however, their latest collaboration with contractors FM Conway aims to deliver a ground-breaking change, not only for Westminster, but for the future of the industry.

Spearheading this new form of sustainable construction is a key priority for Westminster and FM Conway, who have both set out ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality ahead of the Government’s target of 2050. 

Cllr Andrew Smith, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Highways & Environment:

“If we are to truly tackle the effects of climate change and meet our ambitious target of Westminster being carbon neutral by 2030, then we must revolutionise the way we do things as a local authority, this includes the way we carry out our essential daily works and operations.” 

This scheme is not only ground-breaking but also a catalyst for change in the way we do things. We hope that the success of this trial will see public realm works across the city transform for the better and help us towards maintaining a greener and cleaner Westminster.”

Adam Green, CEO of FM Conway:

“It is fantastic to see this great partnership taking such an important step forward in our ambition to tackle carbon emissions.

“As an industry leader for driving innovation and change, it is vital that our collaborative efforts are seen as the foundation for transforming our working practices for the better. We all have a responsibility to protect our planet and with the support of our supply chain, we hope to deliver a low carbon legacy for Westminster and London.”

Data collected throughout the trial will be used to calculate the total carbon savings, with the hope that the results can be used to transform how highways and public realms work are carried out in the city. Reducing emissions, noise pollution, road conjunction, and ultimately providing a blueprint for all future works to be low-carbon, low-emission, and sustainable.