London contractors warned of tighter exemption criteria for generator emissions

Following the publication of updated guidance on the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) in London, Aggreko is alerting construction professionals to tightened exemption criteria for non-compliant generators and air compressors.

The new guidance introduces specific criteria for exemptions from stringent NRMM LEZ rules that require all generators used within Greater London to meet Stage V emissions standards. Until now, the guidance has required site managers to provide “reasonable justification” for using equipment that does not meet the required emissions standards. In contrast, the new guidance means site operators must meet significantly more rigorous criteria for an exemption request to be granted.

Site operators must now provide evidence that they have requested a Stage V generator from a supplier, details of the supplier’s Stage V fleet and orders demonstrating a move towards a Stage V fleet, as well as data to demonstrate loading issues and proof of consideration of load management technology such as smart distribution boards or battery and flywheel storage.

The requirements for air compressors are also set to become stricter. At the moment, Stage IIIB is required across the capital, apart from the Central Activities Zone and Opportunity Areas, where Stage IV is required. From 1 January 2025, Stage IV will be required on all sites in Greater London. As Stage IV is not available below 56kW, which is the typical size of an air compressor in the capital, site operators may need to seek Stage V equipment.

The updated NRMM LEZ rules aligns with independent research commissioned by Aggreko where 82% of 101 UK construction managers questioned said that sustainability is more important today than it was three years ago. The research, published in the Aggreko whitepaper, A Perfect Storm for European Construction? The challenges shaping the sector’s future and how to combat them, also found that cost was the biggest obstacle to using greener technology on site, with 43% of those questioned saying that expense was a barrier to adoption.

Tom Adlington, Building Services & Construction Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko, said: “The new guidance significantly tightens the criteria for gaining exemptions from the Stage V generator requirement. Ultimately, site managers need to be in a position where they do not need to apply for an exemption in the first place.

“Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades programme puts us in prime position to enable site managers not only to comply with the stringent Stage V generator requirements but also to exceed them, futureproofing against further environmental regulations. We have a fleet of Stage V generators, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and greener fuels available. What’s more, hire solutions overcome the capex challenges associated with upgrading to more efficient equipment.

“We also offer both electric and diesel/HVO oil-free air compressors, starting at 200kW. Moreover, our consultative approach means site managers can be confident that the recommended solutions meet both their operational and compliance needs. Where exemptions are granted, they last for one year and must be renewed if the generator is still being used. Where a generator is used for an application other than the one for which the exemption was sought, site managers must apply for new exemptions.”

Tom added: “Site managers need to be aware that exempted generators on site that are approaching a year in use, or which are being used for a new application, will need new exemptions. These will be subject to the new, far more rigorous criteria, and so it is by no means a given than one will be approved.”

The coming years will see a substantial tightening of the rules governing emissions levels from equipment on construction sites in the capital.

Tom concluded: “With increasingly challenging emissions requirements set to come into effect over the coming years, we are focused on developing technologies that help reduce energy consumption and emissions.”