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Why is Environmental Impact Still Not Driving Equipment Choices?

24th, July 2025

Cantideck

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Despite increasing sustainability targets, the construction sector, responsible for nearly 29% of global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to prioritise cost and availability over environmental impact when choosing equipment. According to a recent Conquip survey, 58.3% of respondents rarely consider sustainability in daily decisions.

But attitudes are starting to shift…

Barriers to sustainable construction equipment

Despite the increasing focus on carbon footprint and meeting ESG goals, several challenges still hinder the widespread adoption of eco-friendly equipment.

  1. Limited options: Although hybrid and electric plant options are becoming more widely available, certain limitations still compel contractors to rely on traditional diesel-powered machinery. Factors such as limited battery life, charging infrastructure, power output and the demands of heavy-duty tasks often make diesel equipment the more practical or sometimes the only viable choice.
  2. Initial costs: While eco-friendly equipment offers substantial long-term savings, the high initial cost remains a significant barrier. A recent Conquip survey revealed that 70% of respondents see cost as the biggest challenge, and results from a different survey show that 34% of contractors find higher costs in the disassembling and reusing practices. For companies working within tight margins or on short-term project budgets, the initial investment can overshadow the long-term financial and environmental benefits.
  3. Lack of awareness or training: Earlier this year, the HSE issued a statement highlighting issues across the industry with insufficient or poor-quality training, which has led to a need for greater awareness of green technologies and sustainable practices. As a result, there is not only resistance to adopting new methods but also an increased risk of incidents and accidents on construction sites.

Low-cost sustainable construction solutions

Sustainable progress can be achieved through practical, accessible alternatives. These include:

  1. Choice of fuels: Using biodiesel or hydrogen as fuel offers significant environmental benefits, as both are renewable alternatives that generate far fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel. Where diesel is the only choice, smarter fuel management is possible to reduce wastage, with clear monitoring using our Fuel Eco-Hub or Smart Fuel Tank.
  2. Hiring equipment: Renting equipment is an effective and accessible alternative to buying – helpful when budgets are tight or equipment isn’t needed long-term. For example, The Smart-Release BulkX is a remote-controlled muck-away skip that boosts excavation efficiency, cuts CO2 emissions, reduces crane and excavator run time, and eliminates double handling, saving fuel, time, and equipment use. Or the Excavator Drag Skip, reduces the need for additional machinery, cutting CO2 emissions and material waste. On average, it can save up to 10% in loose material, equivalent to 80 tonnes or 5 truckloads when using 800 tonnes of shingle.
  3. Use again and again: Recycling and reusing materials and refurbishing equipment is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact on construction sites.
  4. Equipment reuse: Opting for reusable equipment over disposable alternatives significantly reduces waste and offers long-term savings, often paying for itself after just a few uses. For example, our Temporary Propping Solution and Temporary Logistics Deck are designed to be both modular and reusable, allowing them to be adapted and transferred from one project to the next. This not only minimises procurement needs and raw material waste but also cuts down on transport CO2 emissions and supports a more circular, cost-efficient approach to construction.
  5. Material and resource reuse: Recycling materials is one of the most efficient and accessible ways to make construction projects more sustainable. It reduces emissions and minimises waste, it can also lead to significant cost savings. Two examples are reusing concrete wastewater with either the Concrete Washout System or NEW Compact Concrete Washout Unit.
  6. Maintenance and Refurbishments: An attentive approach to maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your equipment, helping to reduce replacement costs and minimise downtime. Our Conquip Covered after-sales services include inspections, repairs, refurbishments, spare parts and training. Ensuring your equipment stays reliable, safe, and efficient throughout its life span.

For more information on how we can help you, contact our team today.

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