How construction site efficiency impacts sustainability

By 2050, it’s estimated that 68% of the global population will be urban. And as the population boom continues, that figure will rise, resulting in a greater need for complex construction projects: from hospitals to schools, events venues to office buildings. 

And while this represents an incredible opportunity for the construction sector, it means that construction site efficiency has never been of greater importance, as projects will need to comply with a variety of emissions targets, before eventually becoming carbon neutral. 

Practically, this means that construction projects will need to strike the tricky balance between productivity and efficiency; with the latter ideally complementing the former.  

Fortunately, there are a number of methods to reduce energy consumption on construction sites – and they’re much simpler than you’d imagine.

The link between construction site efficiency and sustainability

It may sound like an oversimplification, but a more efficient construction site is a more sustainable construction site. 

And there are several key areas where this efficiency can be seen. For example, by right-sizing equipment for specific tasks in the planning stages of a project, you’ll ensure that your project only consumes as much fuel as is necessary, dramatically reducing emissions and costs. Similarly, by diligently monitoring fuel levels as the project progresses, you can address any overuse as it arises, and redress before emissions escalate. 

Overall, by striving for a more efficient site, you’ll find sustainability follows, posing environmental, economic, and operational benefits.  But where should you focus your construction site efficiency plans?

Tips for energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency can seem daunting, but it needn’t. By considering a few easy-to-action points, it’s possible to dramatically boost on-site efficiency; thereby reducing energy consumption.

Construction projects can use significantly more energy than they need by incorrectly sizing equipment; reducing energy wastage by right-sizing equipment or using a load-on-demand setup is the simplest means of improving on-site sustainability.

You might begin to eliminate superfluous equipment – whether duplicate generators or unnecessary lighting – as these pieces contribute significantly to on-site emissions. By streamlining your project’s equipment, you’ll see an immediate impact on emissions. 

Being mindful of energy efficiency means that projects can lower fuel consumption, which actively addresses emissions and reduces operational costs. 

Ensuring you are using the most efficient technology - like Stage V generators - will also allow you to minimise emissions while maximising performance.

Another crucial – and frequently overlooked – means of reducing energy consumption on construction sites is equipment maintenance. 

Indeed, a poorly maintained piece of equipment will struggle to perform, reducing on-site efficiency but using the same amount of fuel (if not more). By ensuring that equipment is regularly inspected, and serviced if it’s underperforming, you can enormously reduce diesel usage. 

Moreover, if you’re eager to further improve fuel usage, you might consider using biofuels – such as HVO drop-in fuels – in your equipment. 

Renewable fuels can offer the same performance as diesel, but they also pose incredible benefits for sustainability. For example, HVO can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

Reducing energy consumption on construction sites is a valuable tool in the push for increased sustainability. And it’s more achievable than you might think. 

Whether paying close attention to fuel consumption, routinely maintaining equipment, or even eliminating superfluous equipment, it’s possible to radically improve construction site efficiency, thereby boosting the sustainability of a given project.

At Aggreko, we’re committed to innovating on sustainable construction practices through our greener upgrades in construction we’re able to use our expertise to support your project. Contact us today to learn more.