Contractors, construction companies and utility providers use steel road plates to cover trenches of various widths and sizes. However, they are costly, unsafe, and, most importantly, have a significant carbon emission impact. The LowPro 23/05 Road Plate, when compared to using steel road plates, emits up to 90% less CO2e over its lifetime.
Oxford Plastics have engineered solutions to solve the common issues of using steel plates while simultaneously tackling sustainability. The flagship, the LowPro 23/05 Road Plate, is a modular system of 65kg singular linking units, giving it the ability to cover trenches of any length. It can support 44-tonne vehicles over a 1200mm trench while also being HAUC compliant.
The carbon emissions figure is calculated by looking at a like for like comparison of the LowPro road plates vs steel road plates. Each covers a 6m long trench, travels 1200 miles per year, and has a lifecycle of approximately seven years before “end of life”. We can assess the sustainability of a piece of equipment by calculating its lifecycle carbon footprint. This equates to the weight of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) that is released into the atmosphere.
The most significant saving to CO2e is from the installation part of the product’s life. Where steel plates require a hiab or crane to lift and install them, contractors install the LowPro 23/05 by hand. This manual installation eliminates emissions of fossil fuels from heavy-lifting equipment. There is also a considerable decrease in KgCO2e in transport when using Road Plate compared to steel plates due to the steel plate requiring larger vehicles for transportation to and from the site.
Overall, the LowPro 23/05Road Plate can generate a 90% reduction in CO2e emissions compared to steel plates. The sustainability aspect of the LowPro 23/05 combined with the safety features means this engineered trench cover solution is the perfect modern-day, eco-friendly alternative to traditional steel plates.
By using the LowPro 23/05 Road Plate, companies can reduce their carbon footprint from transportation, installation, and repairability of the road plates. Oxford Plastics LowPro 23/05 Road Plates are repairable, meaning that companies can repair LowPro edges and connectors in-house to maintain the life of the equipment. Oxford Plastics take back all products at “end of life” to be recycled or reused for energy.
Road plates, trench covers, road ramps and wheelchair ramps are essential for maintaining accessibility. Here at Bunzl Greenham, our range of Oxford Plastics LowPro road plates and ramps cover all needs and requirements – whether they are for small sink holes, wide-trench utility works or public access.
Road plates are generally used to cover temporary excavations in order to assist with traffic flow and are typically made from steel or plastic. LowPro Road plates are suitable for carriageways and can even take the weight of a 44-tonne vehicle. Wheelchair ramps provide access at streetworks, for schools, shops and the home.
A trench cover is designed for covering bores, trenches and apertures – typically during construction, maintenance and repair works. LowPro Trench covers are suitable for a variety of uses including pedestrian, domestic, residential, footpath and driveway applications.
Oxford Plastics build problem-solving features into their LowPro range, which include:
- Heavy-duty modular road plate for highways and pavements
- Suitable for 44T vehicles over a 700-1200mm trenches
- Complies with HAUC’s 2018/01 Advice Note
- 2-person lift
- Drop-pins prevent lateral movement
- Moulded anti-slip surface
- Hi-Vis yellow surface encourages traffic calming
- Patented LowPro edges reduce noise pollution
- Available with stillage
- Spare parts available
- Designed & manufactured in the UK
Please get in touch for more information about the Oxford Plastics LowPro range of Road Plates & Trench Covers.
