Yellow is the new green

AS zero-emission technology slowly gathers pace in the automotive industry, one concern that has always lingered is whether it will work with heavy machinery. A small electric hatchback can get you from A to B on a single charge these days, but what about lorries, tractors and construction vehicles?

Last week, however, JCB revealed its hydrogen-powered excavator, the first ever produced in the construction industry. The digger was created by Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, and his son Jo, who runs Ryse Hydrogen. The pair developed the digger for two years, before a further year of testing.

‘The development of the first hydrogen-fuelled excavator is very exciting as we strive towards a zero-carbon world,’ says Lord Bamford, adding that JCB will continue to test the prototype at its quarry proving grounds. Power is generated by mixing hydrogen with oxygen to create energy that drives the digger’s electric motors—the only emission from the exhaust being water.

‘I grew up on the shop floor at JCB and have spent many years working on a prototype to help take our companies into the future,’ says Jo. ‘I truly believe that hydrogen is the UK’S best opportunity to build a world-leading industry, which creates UK jobs, cuts emissions and is the envy of the globe.’

The Global Status Report, published in 2017 by the World Green Building Council, shows that some 39% of global energyrelated carbon-dioxide emissions are produced by building and construction.

Although plans for international travel seem to still be up in the air, those looking for a taste of exotica can now head back to the famous glasshouses at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, which re-opened on Saturday. ‘With plants from the tropics to deserts and breezy mountaintops, visitors can travel the world in a day,’ says Kew. The Hive, the installation that re-creates life inside a beehive, is also open. Pre-booking is essential; for more information and to book, visit www.kew.org