Early-adoption of electric plant alternative underlines commitment to sustainability and promises to reduce carbon emissions
Willmott Dixon Interiors is committed to eliminating carbon from its operations by 2030, with a pledge for all sites to become fossil fuel free. As a large proportion of carbon emissions come from the plant and machinery on-site, we recognise the importance of the early-adoption of electric plant alternatives to help us achieve our goals.
We’ve made a head start by trialling the electric capabilities of Ainscough Crane Hire’s Liebherr MK140 compact mobile tower crane at London South Bank University, where we’re delivering the refurbishment of the London Road Building to modernise campus and facilities and improve the student experience.
The MK140 is a mobile diesel combustion crane that can be plugged in on site, helping companies to reduce their carbon footprint. This signifies the type of change we will be encouraging as a standard across all sites in the future.
Using the mobile crane has various environmental, operational and safety benefits, including:
Environmental
- Lower CO2 emissions, improved energy consumption and better air quality
- Minimal noise once in operation
- Less supporting infrastructure, transport and materials required for set-up than a conventional tower crane
Operational
- Easy to relocate according to programme and logistics requirements
- Compact size makes it flexible with location on smaller sites
- The crane can be operated with existing site electricity supply
Safety
- Variable raised cab height provides better operator visibility
- The cab is air conditioned and comfortable, reducing onset of fatigue
- Automatic set-up and assistance system features improve safety
Dillon Silva, operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We have welcomed the opportunity to trial the use of Ainscough’s MK140 mobile tower crane. The crane’s innovative design includes a separate cab on mast which travels like a lift. It allows the driver to see a lifting operation first-hand, whilst offering dual power options. And we are also saving on fuel costs when operating on mains supply.”
Tim Denby, commercial manager at Ainscough Crane Hire said: “The MK140 has proven to be the ideal choice for this project as a cost effective alternative to a sited tower crane. Add this to the carbon footprint and noise reduction and you have an innovative solution that many sites are now considering.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors offers a range of services including refurbishment and fit outs.