A practical initiative to monitor fuel consumption and support lower CO₂ emissions in infrastructure construction
Reducing fuel consumption in heavy construction machinery is one of the most direct ways infrastructure companies can work towards lower operational emissions and improved cost efficiency.
The operational challenge
Fuel efficiency and it’s consumption represents a significant share of both project costs and direct operational emissions in road construction and maintenance.
Previously, fuel performance was assessed across the full machinery fleet. This approach provided a high-level overview but did not allow for like-for-like comparison between machine operators or equipment types.
The approach: more accurate benchmarking and improved data visibility
To address this, Verston updated its internal methodology for tracking and analysing fuel efficiency + consumption in heavy equipment.
Machines were grouped into comparable operational categories, enabling more consistent benchmarking of fuel use and operator performance. In parallel, a technical monitoring solution was introduced to support more systematic collection and analysis of fuel consumption data.
Observed benefits and operational outcomes
The Eco Rally initiative contributed to several operational improvements during the project period:
- Improved internal visibility of fuel consumption patterns in machinery operations
- More structured benchmarking of operator performance and equipment efficiency
- Opportunities identified for reducing fuel use in certain operational contexts
- Indications of lower fuel-related costs in specific project activities
- Potential contribution to reducing direct CO₂ emissions associated with machinery use, where fuel consumption decreased
These outcomes are based on internal monitoring during the project period and form part of Verston’s broader effort to improve operational efficiency and environmental performance in infrastructure delivery.
Why operational efficiency matters for sustainable infrastructure
In heavy construction and road infrastructure, sustainability progress often depends on incremental improvements in daily operations. Initiatives such as Eco Rally focus on measurable operational factors, including fuel use, equipment utilisation, and performance transparency.
Project facts:
Project: Eco Rally 2025
Location: Estonia
Duration: May – September 2025
Client: Internal initiative
Project Lead: Siim Järveots