BDA Highlights Simple Steps to Reduce Emissions and Costs on Site

March 17, 2026

The British Drilling Association (BDA) is encouraging its members to adopt simple, practical measures to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs across drilling operations.

As expectations around environmental performance continue to increase across the construction sector, small behavioural changes on site can deliver meaningful improvements. One such area is the unnecessary idling of plant, vehicles and equipment.

Idling occurs when an engine is running but the vehicle, rig, generator, compressor or other plant is not performing a useful task, for example during short stops, loading and unloading, or while stationary on site.

While often overlooked, idling has a direct impact on both cost and environmental performance. It burns fuel without delivering productive work, increases engine wear by adding unnecessary operating hours, and contributes to avoidable emissions. Over time, this can lead to higher maintenance costs and reduced equipment lifespan.

Reducing unnecessary idling is one of the simplest and most immediate ways to improve site efficiency and support environmental commitments. Benefits include reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and particulates, and improved air quality on and around site.

There are, of course, situations where idling is necessary. These include when engines are required to power safety systems such as beacons, where equipment must remain running for operational reasons, during servicing or system checks, or when warming equipment to manufacturer-recommended temperatures or clearing frost or ice.

However, where rigs, vans, generators, compressors and other plant are not actively completing a task, switching off engines can deliver both financial and environmental gains.

This guidance was highlighted through discussions at the BDA Health & Safety Sub-Committee, reflecting the Association’s ongoing commitment to supporting safe, efficient and responsible drilling operations.