Skip to main content
 

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental stewardship plays a central role in Kelling Group’s long-term strategy. The organisation recognises that sustainable operations are essential for both future growth and responsible corporate leadership.

Resource Efficiency

One of the most significant environmental priorities for Kelling Group is the optimisation of energy, water and fuel usage. The company invests in energy-efficient technologies across its facilities and transitions to renewable energy sources where possible.

Energy use is monitored through smart metering while everyday operational practices such as reducing unnecessary lighting and optimising HVAC systems help minimise energy consumption.

Water efficiency is also prioritised, with water usage monitored and technologies such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling supporting sustainable water management.

Transport emissions are addressed through a modern ULEZ fleet and a green passenger vehicle policy promoting electric and hybrid vehicles.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy

Kelling Group embeds circular economy principles throughout its operations by designing products and processes that reduce environmental impact across their lifecycle.

Investment in next-generation lithium battery technology has extended product life by three times, reducing stored energy component waste by approximately 67%.

Operational waste management has also been improved, enabling almost 99% of waste to be recovered or recycled.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Kelling Group takes active steps to ensure its operations do not negatively impact local ecosystems. Eco-friendly materials, responsible disposal practices and greywater segregation help prevent pollutants entering natural water networks.

The organisation also supports biodiversity initiatives including rewilding, habitat restoration and carbon offsetting schemes.

Award-Winning Approach

Kelling Group upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability across all aspects of its business. Guided by robust policies, transparent decision-making and a strong culture of responsibility, governance practices reflect the organisation’s ethical values. This commitment builds trust with stakeholders and supports sustainable long-term success.

Strong Leadership and Ethical Oversight

Leaders across Kelling Group set the standard for ethical conduct by demonstrating integrity, transparency and accountability in decision-making.

The organisation fosters a culture built on trust and openness, encouraging colleagues to act responsibly and raise concerns where appropriate.

FAST Colleague Culture

Kelling Group’s colleague-led recognition programme encourages teams to work with purpose, take ownership and collaborate effectively. The initiative helps embed company values into everyday actions while strengthening performance and innovation.

Health and Safety

Health and safety is embedded into every aspect of Kelling Group’s operations. Robust systems, procedures and training programmes ensure a proactive approach to workplace safety.

The organisation holds internationally recognised certifications including:

  • ISO 9001:2015
  • ISO 14001:2015
  • ISO 45001:2018

These standards demonstrate a commitment to quality management, environmental responsibility and occupational safety.

Commitment to the Highest Standards

Through its health and safety framework, Kelling Group ensures that safety is integrated into daily operations and decision-making. The wellbeing of colleagues, customers and communities remains a top priority.

Transparency and Reporting

Kelling Group follows recognised ESG frameworks to strengthen accountability and transparency in reporting.

The organisation tracks progress using internal performance metrics and digital tools that support ESG measurement and reporting.

ESG Accreditation to Inspire Confidence

Kelling Group recognises the importance of measuring environmental impact accurately. ESG metrics and carbon reduction data are recorded, analysed and verified by independent industry specialists, ensuring credibility and transparency.

Kelling Group Partners with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Kelling Group is pleased to announce its partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, a leading environmental charity dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places across Yorkshire. This collaboration marks a significant step in Kelling Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Photo: Barn owl by Doug Swinson

Through the partnership, Kelling Group will provide financial support, as well as engage in hands-on conservation efforts alongside the Trust to promote wildlife protection, habitat restoration and biodiversity across the region. The partnership aims to strengthen the Trust’s ongoing projects, which include safeguarding vital habitats, reintroducing endangered species and tackling the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the incredible work of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust,” said Matthew Jowett, CFO at Kelling Group. “As a company, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the environment that we work in and support efforts that protect our natural world. For years, we have been helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint by providing the most efficient equipment for their needs. By partnering with the Trust, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation and inspire others in the industry to take similar action.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of local conservation efforts for nearly 80 years, with a mission to create a wilder Yorkshire. The charity works tirelessly to protect wildlife and restore landscape scale habitats, raise awareness of environmental issues, and engage communities in nature conservation.

Photo: Seagrass by Georgia Bennett

Rachael Bice, CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, added, “This is fantastic support from the Kelling Group who join us as valued corporate members. We are grateful for their commitment which will help us continue our vital work protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places right across the region. With their involvement, we can expand our reach and have an even greater positive impact on the region’s biodiversity. We also look forward to welcoming them to one of our beautiful nature reserves soon.”

Kelling Group will also be taking steps to incorporate sustainable practices within its operations, further reducing its environmental footprint. The company plans to encourage employees to get involved in volunteering opportunities with the Trust and will host awareness campaigns to promote environmental stewardship within the community.

This collaboration is just the beginning of Kelling Group’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainability and foster positive change within both the business and environmental sectors.

For more information about Kelling Group’s partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust or to learn more about the Trust’s initiatives, please visit www.ywt.org.uk/.

About Kelling Group

Kelling Group is a leading rental and leasing provider of modern, specialist vehicles and equipment for the infrastructure and construction sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Kelling Group reduces environmental impact through innovation, smart practices and partnerships that promote a greener future. www.kellinggroup.com

About Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a leading conservation charity, part of The Wildlife Trusts UK-wide movement dedicated to protecting and restoring the wildlife and natural habitats of Yorkshire. With a vision to create a thriving natural environment for wildlife and people, the Trust works across the region to protect endangered species, restore vital habitats, and inspire future generations to take action for nature.

For media enquiries, please contact marketing@kellinggroup.com

Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist Access, Welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.

Improving ESG starts with the small stuff

There is no doubt that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores are an essential part of the future of construction.

With major construction firms trialling software that tracks tier-3 emissions by reading their invoices and a growing trend of public sector tenders requiring evidence of environmental action, forward-thinking contractors must do everything they can to clean up their supply chains – before it’s too late.

Lighting towers are a good place to start because improvements can be made immediately. You don’t have to wait for new technology to emerge; eco-friendly lighting towers already exist and could be on your site within days.

The X-Eco Hybrid Lithium tower light, for example, uses lithium hybrid technology to power six 100W LED lights. The result? 455 hours of continuous light per refuel and 80% silent running.

But will that really have a measurable impact?

There are three ways eco-friendly lighting towers will improve your ESG score:

1. Lower Emissions

Tower lights are hardly likely to produce the majority of your emissions, but suddenly cutting their emissions by 94% will still have a clear effect. On a large enough project, this can translate to a very large reduction – and one that is clearly measurable for your ESG reports.

2. Less noise 

Sound pollution is a growing social concern, especially as more research confirms the health hazards associated with excessive noise. With silent running tower lights, construction projects can run throughout the night without disturbing the local community – and therefore contributing to an improvement in social impact.

3. Safer sites

Given the number of accidents suffered on construction sites, firms have a clear social responsibility to keep their workers safe – and eco-friendly tower lights are, in many cases, essential to this.

From increasing visibility so that workers can see trip hazards to reducing cognitive load and headaches so that accidents are less likely, the case is clear for lighting towers as essential to every safe construction site.

How much could lighting towers improve your ESG score?

One of the most common concerns around ESG is how to measure a firm’s total impact. Fortunately, we have created an eco-calculator specifically to empower contractors to quantify the effect switching to eco-friendly tower lights will have.

Use it today to see how much better your ESG score could be using our Eco-Calculator.

Comprehensive Maintenance and Servicing

With Access Hire, you benefit from our full maintenance program, which includes regular servicing and mandatory LOLER inspections. We know the importance of safety and compliance, and our proactive approach ensures that your vehicle-mounted MEWPs and specialist vehicles are always in top condition. This minimises the risk of breakdowns and keeps your project on track, reducing unexpected downtime.

24/7/365 Breakdown Support

We understand that breakdowns don’t follow a schedule. That’s why our dedicated team is available 24/7, every day of the year, providing rapid response support whenever you need it. Whether it’s a minor issue or a more serious breakdown, our highly skilled technicians are on hand to get you back up and running as quickly as possible, helping to maximise your uptime.

Courtesy Vehicle Fleet to Keep You Moving

At Access Hire, we go above and beyond with our dedicated courtesy vehicle fleet. In the event of a breakdown causing your vehicle to be off the road for a prolonged period of time, we’ll provide you with a replacement vehicle to ensure you don’t experience delays. This allows you to continue meeting your project deadlines, knowing that vehicle availability won’t be an issue.

Newer, Market-Leading Vehicles

We pride ourselves on offering some of the newest, most advanced vehicle-mounted MEWPs and specialist vehicles on the market. Our fleet is designed to maximise uptime, with industry-leading features and performance that ensure reliability and efficiency. When you choose Access Hire, you choose a fleet that delivers the cutting-edge capabilities your projects demand, with high availability to meet even the most challenging targets.

A Dedicated Team of Experts

Our in-house team of dedicated experts is always on hand to support your hire experience. From the moment you enquire, our team works to understand your specific project needs, ensuring you get the right vehicle for the job. With years of experience in the industry, we provide expert advice and tailored solutions, so you can be confident in your hire.

When working at height, trust Access Hire to deliver solutions that keep your workforce safe and your projects on schedule.

Specialist Account Management

To further enhance your hire experience, you’ll have access to a dedicated Account Manager who specialises in vehicle-mounted MEWPs and specialist vehicles. Your Account Manager will serve as a trusted partner, ensuring that your hire meets all your project requirements and providing ongoing support throughout the duration of your contract.

At Access Hire Nationwide, we believe in providing a hire experience that delivers everything you need, from top-quality vehicles to round-the-clock support. With our comprehensive service offering, you can be sure that your project will keep moving forward, no matter what challenges arise.

Hire without compromise. Hire with Access Hire Nationwide.

The Critical Importance of Safety at Height

Working at height involves an inherent level of risk. Whether it’s on a construction site, in maintenance roles, or other industrial environments, the safety of operators using vehicle-mounted MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) is critical. A single lapse in safety can result in accidents with serious consequences, making it essential to use well-maintained equipment and follow proper safety protocols at all times.

At Access Hire Nationwide, we take every precaution to ensure that the equipment we provide is in top condition. Our customers trust us to deliver reliable, safe solutions that allow them to carry out their work efficiently and confidently.

Thorough Maintenance and Inspection Programs

Safety begins with equipment that you can depend on. This is why all of our vehicles undergo rigorous and regular maintenance, including the necessary LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspections. LOLERs are crucial in ensuring that MEWPs are safe for operation, with checks that cover the structural integrity, stability, and performance of lifting mechanisms.

At Access Hire, we have a proactive approach to safety, adhering to strict maintenance schedules to keep every vehicle in our fleet compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. Our skilled technicians conduct thorough inspections to ensure every machine is fully operational and safe for use, allowing you to focus on the job at hand with peace of mind.

Rapid Breakdown Support to Prevent Safety Issues

Breakdowns can present significant safety risks, especially when working at height. Mechanical failure in the middle of a job can create additional hazards, from operators being stuck in vulnerable positions to equipment failure leading to potential accidents.

That’s why at Access Hire, we offer fast, 24/7/365 breakdown support. Our expert technicians are always on standby to attend to any breakdowns quickly, ensuring that safety risks are minimised, and you can continue working with minimal interruption. We aim to resolve any issues efficiently, preventing further complications and keeping safety as the top priority.

IPAF Training for Safe Operation

In addition to our reliable equipment and support, Access Hire Nationwide is proud to offer IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training. IPAF training is widely recognised for ensuring that MEWP operators have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate equipment safely and in compliance with industry standards.

Our training programs are designed to provide operators with a thorough understanding of how to safely work at height, from proper handling of equipment to understanding risks and emergency procedures. Ensuring your team is well-trained reduces the chances of accidents and boosts confidence when using vehicle-mounted MEWPs.

By working with Access Hire, you not only benefit from high-quality equipment and rapid support but also from access to industry-leading safety training to enhance your team’s capability and compliance.

Trust Access Hire Nationwide for Safe, Reliable Solutions

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Access Hire Nationwide. We are committed to providing not only the most advanced and reliable MEWPs but also ensuring that safety is prioritised through regular inspections, rapid support, and expert training.

When working at height, trust Access Hire to deliver solutions that keep your workforce safe and your projects on schedule.

Keep sites safe

Employee morale often suffers due to a perceived increase to physical risk. With reduced visibility and wetter conditions, including ice and snow creating new trip hazards, workers are liable to feel their site becomes less safe during the darker months. And given that construction-related fatalities have been known to increase by as much as 55% in recent reporting², safety will be a particular concern this Autumn and Winter.

Tower lights help mitigate these risks and keep workers safe. The increased visibility site lighting unlocks helps assure that trip hazards are seen, collisions are avoided and workers feel confident that they are safe at all times.

 

Improve productivity

Darker, harsher autumn and winter days can make it difficult to get much done on a construction site. In fact, some estimates suggest that extreme cold can reduce productivity by 50%³. Lower productivity can lead to missed targets or delays to the projects – both of which take their toll on employee stress and morale.

That’s why ECO LED site lighting is an essential tool for employee safety, morale and mental health. By enabling work to continue safely when the sun has gone down, projects are able to prevent potential productivity losses. As a result, workers don’t feel the strain of stressed project management or tighter deadlines that would otherwise come with a productivity drop.

Create flexibility onsite

The single best way to boost employee morale is by providing flexibility. And with daylight hours reducing, the window to deliver work outside in natural light becomes limited.

The solution is enabling work to be delivered safely and practically during darker hours, providing illumination from lighting towers for flexibility in working hours and schedules. Portable lighting towers enable extended work hours and, subsequently, give teams the time to fit in their work schedules.

We believe this is a key factor in employee mental health through the year, but it may be felt most during the darker months. And as a result, this autumn and winter are the perfect time for contractors that don’t currently use LED tower lights to enable employee flexibility to start.

Never Settle For Second Best

At Welfare Hire, we believe innovative technology should serve every aspect of a construction project. That’s why we are dedicated to providing not only eco-friendly tower lights, but helping our partners use them to unlock a range of added value – including boosting employee morale.

Want to explore our full range of tower lights?

The Impact of Welfare Units  on Workforce Wellbeing

Welfare units, often seen on construction sites, road maintenance projects, and other temporary worksites play a significant yet often underestimated role in promoting the wellbeing of employees. At Welfare Hire Nationwide, we are at the forefront of providing welfare units designed not just for compliance, but for enhancing the overall mental and physical health of workers.

Welfare units are no longer just about ticking regulatory boxes. They are environments that provide a space where workers can take a break from the demands of their roles, relax, and recharge. When designed with care, these units contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes. Features such as canteens/welfare rooms, and hygiene facilities are crucial for supporting a workforce’s wellbeing.

 

Canteen and Break Rooms

A comfortable space where workers can take their lunch break away from their worksite has a significant impact on morale. A well-designed canteen or welfare room offers employees a chance to decompress, interact socially with colleagues, and enjoy a meal in comfort. This helps to reduce feelings of isolation, especially in remote or high-pressure work environments.

Hygiene Facilities

Access to clean and well-maintained hygiene facilities is vital for worker health. Proper sanitation reduces the risk of illness, which can otherwise lead to higher absenteeism. More than just physical cleanliness, these facilities also contribute to workers feeling valued and cared for. When employees know that their basic needs are being met, they can focus more effectively on their work, leading to higher productivity and improved mental health.

Data and Testimonials on Welfare Units and Wellbeing

Research and anecdotal evidence increasingly show the positive correlation between improved welfare conditions and workforce wellbeing. A report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that welfare facilities directly impact workforce morale and retention, with a lack of suitable facilities contributing to stress, frustration, and ultimately higher turnover.

Absenteeism Reduction

Welfare units equipped with high-quality facilities have been shown to reduce absenteeism by improving employee wellbeing. According to the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Report 2023, the average sickness absence rate now stands at 7.8 days per employee annually, with factors like stress, mental ill-health, and poor physical conditions driving this increase. The Health and Safety Executive highlights that providing proper rest areas, clean hygiene facilities, and comfortable break rooms can significantly reduce short-term absenteeism, as employees are more likely to stay healthy and engaged. Companies investing in comprehensive wellbeing solutions, including welfare units, report improved worker morale and productivity, demonstrating how better conditions foster a healthier, more reliable workforce.

Boosted Morale and Productivity

In addition, providing appropriate welfare facilities can significantly boost morale. A worker from a recent Welfare Hire Nationwide project noted:

“Having a clean and quiet space to take a break really makes a difference. It shows the company cares about our wellbeing, and that makes me feel more positive about my job.”

This sense of being valued is crucial for job satisfaction, which in turn drives higher productivity.

How Welfare Units Can Support Mental Health

Mental health is not just about managing stress or dealing with mental illness. It’s about creating environments where workers feel safe, respected, and empowered. Welfare units that provide a space to relax, access to proper facilities, and even the possibility for mental health support on-site, can be an essential part of a company’s mental health strategy.

On this World Mental Health Day, it’s essential to recognise the role that welfare units play in supporting both the mental and physical wellbeing of the workforce. Welfare Hire Nationwide continue to lead the way, not only by providing top-tier eco-friendly welfare units but by fostering environments where workers can thrive, helping companies build healthier, happier, and more productive teams.

Conclusion

As organisations continue to invest in workforce wellbeing, welfare units remain a crucial tool for enhancing health and safety on-site. By offering spaces that address both physical and mental health needs, these units help reduce absenteeism, boost morale, and ultimately improve productivity. Welfare Hire Nationwide are committed to setting new standards in welfare provision, ensuring that employee wellbeing is prioritised on every project.

The power sector is a cornerstone of the UK’s economy, supporting over 700,000 jobs and contributing £27 billion annually in gross value added.

However, the industry has faced significant challenges in 2024, including decarbonisation pressures, renewable energy integration, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing these issues requires substantial investment and innovation across all operational facets, from strategic planning to the deployment of specialised equipment like vehicle-mounted access platforms.

1. Decarbonisation Pressures

The UK government has committed to achieving a 78% reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

While the nation has made notable progress in decarbonisation, fossil fuels still account for a significant portion of energy production. Transitioning away from these sources presents substantial challenges.

Rising Electricity Demand

The shift towards electric vehicles and heat pumps is expected to increase electricity demand by approximately 2% annually over the next two decades, leading to a projected 56% rise in demand.

Meeting this demand sustainably necessitates scalable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.

Kelling Group Cooling Tower Image

2. Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy sources are crucial for meeting future energy needs. In 2020, wind and solar power contributed 43% of the UK’s electricity.

However, scaling these sources requires significant investment and innovation.

Infrastructure Challenges

Slow planning processes and inadequate grid infrastructure hinder the expansion of renewable energy. Addressing these issues may require a comprehensive redesign of the energy market to facilitate distributed energy integration, demand-side response, and more flexible power services.

Investment Needs

Estimates suggest that achieving a renewable-powered economy will require approximately £200 billion, with annual investments reaching £50 billion by 2030 to meet current targets and demand projections.

3. Rising costs

The power sector is experiencing unprecedented price pressures. In October 2024, the UK’s energy price cap increased by 10%, raising the average household’s annual energy bill to £1,717.

This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions.

Impact on Businesses

Businesses are also affected by rising energy costs. New legislation has led to a significant increase in the price of red diesel, compelling companies to adapt their fuel usage or face substantial increases in overheads.

4. Geopolitical Uncertainties

The UK’s reliance on imported energy exposes it to global market fluctuations and geopolitical events. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disrupted energy supplies, leading to increased gas bills and highlighting the risks of dependence on foreign energy sources.

Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency

These challenges underscore the need for the UK to enhance energy self-sufficiency. Developing domestic energy sources and reducing reliance on imports are essential steps toward a more resilient and sustainable power sector.

Conclusion

The UK power sector faces complex challenges in 2025, including decarbonisation, renewable energy integration, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts, substantial investment, and innovation across the industry. By understanding and proactively tackling these challenges, the sector can continue to support the economy and contribute to a sustainable future.

About Access Hire Nationwide

Access Hire Nationwide supports the power industry by providing innovative solutions to meet operational and sustainability goals. Our electric vehicles, including MEWPs and specialist utility vehicles, contribute to decarbonisation efforts, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.

Through our Access Lease offering, the power industry benefits from brand-new, high-performance vehicles such as 4x4s, supported by a fully managed and inclusive maintenance package. This ensures reliability, streamlines operations, and enables more accurate budgeting, empowering businesses to focus on delivering energy solutions without unexpected costs or downtime.

Leading the Way in Eco-friendly Mobile Welfare Solutions

Kelling Group is delighted to announce its latest expansion project: the establishment of an innovative facility at Boscombe Business Park in Avonmouth, Bristol. This new facility is set to become the central hub for Welfare Hire Nationwide, a leading division of Kelling known for its groundbreaking eco-friendly towable mobile welfare units, WCs, lithium lights, and welfare vans.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Welfare Hire boasts the largest fleet of modern, innovative, and eco-friendly, mobile towable welfare units on the market. The ECO range represents the pinnacle of innovation, integrating smart and unique design features to optimise onsite welfare and lighting, setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.

“As the market leader in the mobile eco welfare hire sector, our mission at Kelling is to redefine the standards of onsite welfare solutions,” remarked Stephen Moore, CEO of Kelling Group. “Our investment in the Bristol facility underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our clients.”

One of the hallmarks of Welfare Hire is its steadfast commitment to quality and service. Kelling continuously invests in maintaining the highest standards, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest advancements in welfare technology, including solar, lithium batteries, rainwater harvesting and telemetry.

The Bristol facility, on a site stretching to over 3 acres, will serve as a testament to Kelling’s long-term investment in the sector and dedication to innovation and sustainability, providing a strategic base for the ongoing development and deployment of next-generation mobile eco welfare solutions.

As Kelling prepares to have operations fully up and running throughout May and June, the company looks forward to ushering in a new era of innovation, service excellence, and sustainability in the welfare solutions landscape. The Bristol facility will see Kelling create new jobs in the region for depot and field-based engineers, drivers and valeters.  Any potential applicants should send their CVs to hr@kellinggroup.com with the subject “Bristol Expansion”.

For more information about Welfare Hire’s products: Mobile Welfare Unit Hire | Towable Welfare Units & Welfare Vans | Kelling (kellinggroup.com)