Urban Air Pollution: A Hidden Threat from Compact Equipment

During London Climate Action Week 2025, the Swedish Embassy hosted a high-level industry roundtable with Volvo CE, Transport for London (TfL), and other partners to address the critical contribution of compact construction machinery to urban air pollution. Unlike diesel cars, these machines are often exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations, yet emit disproportionately high levels of harmful pollutants.

In London alone, approximately 5,000 diesel-powered compact excavators emit as much NOx and particulate matter (PM) as over 100,000 diesel cars. Despite their smaller size, compact machines account for more than 50% of the sector’s NOx emissions, while comprising only one-third of construction equipment across Europe.

Electric digger in London
The trial in Redcliffe Gardens, London, used an ECR25 Electric excavator to help remove nearly 8kg of NOx and NHMC emissions.

Construction Now Surpasses Cars in Black Carbon Emissions

New research reveals that construction has overtaken cars as the leading source of black carbon emissions in London. These emissions significantly degrade urban air quality and pose a serious public health risk. With only 17% of cities worldwide currently meeting WHO air quality guidelines, the need for decisive action is urgent.

Electric-powered construction equipment offers an immediate solution, producing zero tailpipe emissions, and operating with lower noise and vibration levels—particularly beneficial in densely populated areas like London.

Emission-Free Trial Delivers Tangible Benefits

A recent 12-week pilot led by Volvo CE, TfL, and contractor FM Conway replaced traditional diesel equipment with three zero-emission electric machines. Over the course of the trial, nearly 8kg of NOx and non-methane hydrocarbons (NHMC) were eliminated from London’s streets—equivalent to the emissions of a diesel car travelling more than 39,000 miles.

This trial clearly demonstrates the environmental potential of switching to electric machinery in construction—especially when scaled across the city and beyond.

Policy Momentum and Next Steps

London’s Non-Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone (NRMM LEZ) sets the groundwork for future regulation, with all construction equipment in the capital required to be zero-emission by 2040. However, current exemptions leave significant gaps that must be closed to truly improve urban air quality.

Stakeholders agreed that further progress requires:

  • Expanding low emission zone policies to cover compact construction equipment
  • Accelerating green infrastructure and energy supply
  • Embedding sustainability criteria in public procurement
  • Promoting multi-sector collaboration to overcome adoption barriers

A Call for Collective Action

The roundtable highlighted that construction’s impact on London’s air quality has been underestimated, particularly with smaller diesel machines escaping scrutiny. By integrating electric alternatives, updating regulation, and encouraging collaboration across industries and policymakers, London can set a precedent for healthier urban development.

As the capital continues its journey toward Net Zero, addressing emissions from construction must become a central part of the solution—turning trials into long-term transformations for cities across the UK and beyond.