Rethinking construction logistics
Michael Barratt of Transport for London is going to explain how construction logistics can be challenged and materials and services moved by zero carbon transport, not just HGVs and white vans on 23rd February
Construction generates huge amounts of carbon and one of the biggest polluters is how the industry moves its goods and materials to and from site. Transport is one of the biggest generators of CO2 and has a massive impact on air quality. If we add into that environmental mix the issue of safety (available figures from 2016 show that 463 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions involving HGVs from all sectors on UK roads) it makes huge sense to reconsider construction logistic.
That’s pretty much the role of Michael Barratt for Transport for London. His job title is Development Impact Assessment Manager, which does exactly what it says on the tin. He challenges project teams and works with them to introduce innovative, pragmatic and proactive approaches all geared towards reducing disruption, cutting environmental impacts and make the whole process safer.
It might mean something simple like changing delivery times or introducing a waiting area to stop HGVs queuing on roads unnecessarily or it might be promoting the use of different delivery methods.
One of the most radical ideas is the use of cargo bikes. At first glance that sounds unrealistic but trials with companies such as Mace, FM Conway and Morgan Sindall have proved that power assisted cargo bikes can move materials quicker, more safely and reducing CO2 and in some instances outperform white vans.
Michael Barratt has shared the results of his work with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, and you can see two examples with FM Conway and another with CrossRail. Perhaps more interesting is the work done on a scheme in Hackney, where construction logistics business O’Neill & Brennan Logistics hired Pedal Me to move construction materials on a project for Morgan Sindall.
Can others do it? Michael Barratt recently announced a piece of work with Sir Robert McAlpine – so there is genuine interest amongst major contractors. But can it work in Wales? That’s what we are asking at an event on 23rd February when Michael Barratt will talk about his work and how he helps the construction sector rethink its logistics. Find out more here and register.