More attention is now being paid to the zero-emission sites and to the use of electric machinery. VRJ Länsi-Suomi Oy, partner in European Platform for Urban Greening project, has invested in electric machines and the experience has been positive.
As climate change adaptation targets become more concrete in urban areas, construction sites will also have to significantly reduce their emissions. In Finland, zero-emission construction sites using electric machines have been piloted. VRJ Länsi-Suomi Oy, partner in European Platform for Urban Greening project, has been implementing such sites. The experience has been positive: people living near the site have been pleased with the cleaner air and the reduction in noise. The workers also like to use electric machines because they are newer and do not produce exhaust gases.
The advantage of electric machines is that they are quiet and still have enough power compared to internal combustion engine driven machines. An electric excavator, for example, can work for about four hours in one go. It takes 15-30 minutes to charge the machine and then you can work for the rest of the day. In addition, electric machines also serve as a competitive advantage for construction companies as the focus on climate issues becomes stronger.
VRJ Länsi-Suomi currently operates three fully electric construction machines: a Volvo small excavator, an Avant small loader and a Volvo small wheeled machine. Other small electric machines are also in use, such as plate compactors ans stone saws. The company is in the process of purchasing more electric machines for this period. The company’s employees are being trained in low emission and rational use of machinery.
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