A renewable energy division launched by a well-known North East hire company is helping the construction industry move towards its net zero goals, the company says.
Former North East Company of the Year Nixon Hire launched its renewabled division in 2019 and says demand for eco-friendly products is currently at an all-time hire. The company has also set up a renewable power division to allow companies to utilise greener power, even on short-term projects.
The division offers solar power units and EV chargers. Nixon has also placed an order for battery storage units that can help firms reduce emissions to zero, saying that the equipment it offers can be fitted to any roof or spare space on construction sites to allow companies to reduce power waste, costs and carbon emissions.
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Nixon said that the first use of its solar smar site on a construction project near Watford had paid for itself within a week, as well as eliminating seven tonnes of carbon emissions and saving 2,250 litres of fuel. The moves to provide more renewable energy equipment comes as the construction industry, which has historically had a major environmental impact, aims to reduce emissions and improve other factors around green matters.
Nick Hibbard, division manager for renewables at Nixon Hire, said: “Over more recent years, the demand is growing stronger and stronger for clean energy. Our ultimate goal at Nixon Hire is to offer our customers all the products they need to achieve a zero emissions site, which we’re delighted to say we are not far from achieving. Our new renewable power division and solar smart site offering are the next steps to allowing us to do just this.”
With a history dating back more than 50 years, Newcastle-based Nixon Hire employs around 520 people and operates 13 depots in England and Scotland. The company specialises in construction equipment for hire and for sale, including large plant, portable toilets, static and mobile welfare facilities, site accommodation and power units.
The company returned to profitability last year following a restructuring exercise and also received investment from Pricoa, the private capital business of Prudential Financial Inc, as it aimed for growth. The firm was named North East Company of the Year in 2014.
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