The Global Alliance for Construction Equipment (GACE) has issued a joint statement outlining its commitment to decarbonization efforts across the global construction equipment industry.
The alliance, which represents trade associations from the United States, China, Europe, Japan, India, and Korea, announced plans to develop new technologies and advocate for policy changes to reduce the industry's carbon footprint.
GACE's decarbonization strategy centers on promoting multiple energy sources for construction equipment, including electricity, battery power, hybrid systems, hydrogen, and other low-carbon fuels.
The alliance stated it will work to advance energy conservation technologies for both traditional diesel-powered machinery and alternative fuel equipment worldwide.
The organization called on government policymakers to invest in infrastructure necessary for industry decarbonization, particularly charging and storage facilities for electric and hydrogen-powered equipment. GACE emphasized the need for expanded infrastructure to support the transition to alternative fuel sources in construction operations.
The alliance also advocated for regulatory harmonization among global stakeholders, urging the adoption of international voluntary consensus standards for alternatively powered equipment and fuel sources.
These standards would address safety, quality, and performance requirements for new technologies entering the construction equipment market.
GACE endorsed the use of financial incentives in public works projects to encourage adoption of decarbonization technologies. The alliance suggested that government incentives could accelerate the deployment of low-carbon construction equipment across various project types.
The Global Alliance for Construction Equipment represents leading trade associations from major construction equipment markets. Member organizations include the Association of Equipment Manufacturers from the United States, China Construction Machinery Association, Committee for European Construction Equipment, Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association from Japan, Indian Construction Equipment Association, and Korean Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association.
The construction equipment industry has faced increasing pressure to reduce emissions as governments worldwide implement climate policies and set carbon reduction targets. Heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and infrastructure projects typically relies on diesel fuel and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector.
GACE stated that the global construction equipment industry is committed to contributing to sustainable development goals while addressing poverty eradication efforts. The alliance positioned its decarbonization initiative as part of the broader global response to climate change challenges.