Today’s landscaping and earthmoving companies face a major challenge: drastically reducing their carbon footprint without sacrificing their competitiveness. Between fleet renewal, alternative fuels, machine hybridization and optimized use, the levers exist – but their deployment still comes up against very real technological, regulatory and economic constraints.
Here, we provide concrete feedback on the solutions implemented at our excavated soil reclamation sites, showing that an ambitious decarbonization trajectory is not only possible, but in the medium term becomes an economic asset. Decarbonizing construction sites also means preparing the industry for a future in which environmental performance and profitability are no longer in conflict, but mutually reinforcing.
1. Use technological advances in combustion engines to reduce GHG emissions
The gradual tightening of anti-pollution standards for vehicles has led to major technological advances in internal combustion engines. In ten years, three regulatory changes have been introduced. These concern nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions in particular.
These standards apply to new machines. We have therefore invested heavily in renewing our fleet. Between 2014 and 2021, the average age of our 80 machines has been reduced from over 4 years to less than 2.5 years.
2. Reducing fuel consumption: the successful challenge of hybrid machines.
Back in 2014, we took the plunge into hybrid machines. First, we acquired a Caterpillar D7E bulldozer, featuring hybrid diesel/electric technology. Then, in 2017, we integrated a Komatsu HB365 crawler excavator. It is equipped with an exclusive system for recovering energy from turret rotation.
These technologies have reduced our fuel consumption by 10% to 20%. Today, we have two additional Caterpillar D6 XE hybrid machines. This generates savings of over 15,000L of fuel per year, or the equivalent of 40 tonnes ofCO2 less each year. To find out more, click here.
3. Favoring alternatives to diesel: emerging solutions
Since 2019, part of our fleet has been using GTL (Gas-to-Liquids), a synthetic fuel that generates much less NOx and particulates when burned. This is an undeniable step forward, complementing the technical evolution of engines, particularly for underground use. But the cost remains high.
Since 2021, we have had a contract in place for the supply of Oleo100, a sustainable alternative fuel made from French rapeseed. Its carbon footprint is very favorable, with over 50% CO₂ savings “from field to wheel”. This choice enabled us to save more than 35 tonnes of CO₂ over one year. However, homologation constraints limit its large-scale development.
Finally, in order to combine the best of both worlds, we are planning to test HVO100 fuel in the near future. Its production method is similar to that of GTL. It uses recycled biosourced raw materials. This results in a very favorable overall CO₂ balance. This fuel also greatly reduces emissions during combustion. However, the cost of this fuel still remains a question mark.
4. Combining electric motors and hydrogen production: a sector to watch
From 2020 onwards, ECT has been considering the development of a fleet of fuel cell-powered electric trucks, and the associated hydrogen production infrastructure. A partnership with Gaussin and Bouygues Energies & Services aimed to bring the first trucks into service in 2022.
The lack of regulatory incentives and operational difficulties prevented us from achieving this objective. We remain convinced that this remains a solution for the future, and are working to structure the industry. In 2025, our recent partnership with the Hyliko company will give a new impetus to our research. To find out more, click here.
5. Combining people and technology: efficient, long-term optimization
Implementing good practices in the use of construction machinery is fundamental. Substantial savings in fuel consumption are possible on a daily basis. The use and consolidation of on-board telematics and geolocation information by an external monitoring tool – Fleet Management “HIBOO”, is a source of optimization in 3 points: Ensuring that the right machine is used for the right job, generating real fuel savings. Improve idling rates, as idling means wasted fuel. Finally, to promote good driving habits. Driver awareness and training is a short-term lever, whatever the type of machine and fuel.
6. Site networking: bringing excavation sites closer to recycling sites
Soil transport by truck accounts for 80% of the sector’s overall emissions. The proximity of ECT sites to excavation sites saves 67% of GHG emissions, or 22,000 TeqCo2. Our next objective is to prescribe developments in heavy-duty vehicles for public works and in fuels for our customers in the construction and public works sector for soil transport. In this way, the entire profession will have the means to participate in this collective effort to make our activities greener.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the question could be: should we be pleased with the current context, which encourages us to systematically orientate ourselves? towards evolution? Are we heading for a disruptive and beneficial crisis? Reducing fuel consumption, thus minimizing GHG emissions, and capitalizing on responsible driving and use of machinery have a favorable financial impact for companies. Will the combination of economic and ecological challenges breathe new life into technological innovation? It’s possible, if we take collective action to ensure that the entire industry fully exploits its environmental interests..
