Green machines - Eco equipment being used for Liverpool roadworks

An ‘eco-digger’ and other green machinery have been put to work on Liverpool’s streets in a bid to help reduce carbon emissions in the city.

The digger uses plant-based fuel and has been deployed by Liverpool-based contractors Huyton Asphalt Ltd, alongside eco plant machinery, electric vans and carbon-saving material.

The equipment was put to use on Kingsley Road in Toxteth this month.

Eco alternatives

Huyton Asphalt are the first Highway Contractors in the city to adopt performance hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel technology.

The company also has a low carbon, sustainable alternative to conventional asphalts, which uses recycled materials.

They have invested in the equipment and vehicles in support of the region’s pledge to become net zero carbon by 2040.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority launched a survey earlier this year asking people across the city for their thoughts to help shape the plan and has been holding a series of workshops and focus groups.

What is HVO?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is a fossil-free renewable diesel fuel produced by hydroprocessing oils and fats.

When used, it has the capability of producing a 90% reduction in CO2.

However, HVO is sometimes offered as a blend of fossil diesel and it is important to check it is not made out of unsustainable palm oil which could lead to deforestation.

Green ambitions

Huyton Asphalt Ltd Civils Director, Tony Carney, said: “We take our role in contributing to the wider regional and national drive to reduce carbon emissions very seriously.

“HVO is a key part of our journey to carbon neutrality, whilst our longer-term ambition involves hydrogen or electrified plant and continued industry innovation.”

Councillor Daniel Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “I’m delighted to see that Huyton Asphalt Ltd are investing in carbon-saving technology and machinery to carry out their work in the city.

“As a council, we’re encouraging all our partners and contractors to make a serious commitment to the city’s net zero pledge, as the social and environmental benefits for our communities are so long-lasting.

“It’s great to see the Kingsley Road is benefitting from this approach, and I look forward to seeing more and more of this eco-minded approach by businesses we work with.”