Three organisations supporting UK Plant Expo 2027 are involved in a new industry training initiative aimed at improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and encouraging more sustainable construction plant operations.

The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS), Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and Flannery Plant Hire have collaborated to develop a new e-learning module, An Introduction to Eco-Operations, which has now achieved NOCN Assured approval.

With Flannery Plant Hire and NOCN both title sponsors of UK Plant Expo 2027, and the CPA also confirmed as an exhibitor, the initiative brings together organisations already playing an important role in the event and the wider construction equipment sector.

Developed with input from contractors, major infrastructure clients, plant hire companies and industry partners, the programme aims to provide practical guidance on reducing the environmental impact of plant and machinery during everyday operations.

The module is hosted on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s free learning platform and the NOCN Hub, making the training accessible to individuals and businesses across the construction supply chain.

Its NOCN Assured status provides independent assurance of the e-learning programme, recognising the industry-led approach to developing knowledge and improving operational practices.

Aligned with the Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) Eco-Operations National Training Delivery Framework, the training covers climate change awareness, air quality, emissions reduction, fuel efficiency and the importance of reducing unnecessary machine idling.

It also explores practical measures that can be implemented on construction sites to improve efficiency, minimise environmental impact and encourage more responsible equipment operation.

Although plant operators are central to putting these principles into practice, the training has been developed for a much wider audience. Site managers, supervisors, procurement teams and plant professionals can all benefit from a better understanding of how equipment selection, site planning and day-to-day operating decisions influence emissions and fuel consumption.

The programme recognises that improving environmental performance requires a coordinated approach across the construction supply chain, rather than placing responsibility solely on machine operators.

Aaron Davis, Safety & Skills Director at Flannery Plant Hire, said:

“Operators play a vital role in reducing emissions and improving efficiency through the decisions they make every day. By delivering this training through a flexible e-learning format that can be accessed on a range of devices, we are making it easier for operators, site teams, procurement professionals and others involved in plant operations to develop the knowledge and behaviours needed to support more sustainable operations.”

The launch comes as the construction industry continues to examine ways of reducing its environmental impact, with operational efficiency, equipment technology and workforce training all contributing to progress.

While investment in electric and alternative-powered machinery continues, improving the way existing equipment is selected, managed and operated remains an important part of reducing fuel consumption and emissions across construction sites.

The collaboration between SCSS, CPA and Flannery Plant Hire demonstrates how industry organisations can work together to provide accessible training that supports measurable improvements in everyday plant operations.

UK Plant Expo 2027, taking place on 11–12 June at the Heart of England Events Centre in Warwickshire, will bring together manufacturers, plant hire companies, contractors and industry organisations to explore the equipment, technologies and working practices shaping the future of the sector.

With Flannery Plant Hire, NOCN and the CPA all involved in the event, sustainability, skills and improving operational efficiency will be important subjects for discussion as the industry looks for practical ways to reduce its environmental impact.

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