As company leaders face increasing client requests to prioritize construction site sustainability, many have realized that, although there are many ways to achieve that goal, they will make the most significant gains by focusing on equipment. After all, the assets in that category encompass many statistics, from energy to emissions. Which items should leaders consider, and why does it matter?
Heavy Equipment Power
When many people envision construction sites, large, smelly and loud machines come to mind. Although some firms still use those, the demand for more sustainable choices has pushed many leaders to phase them out in favor of electric or other low-emission alternatives.
Although the specific capabilities vary by type and model, these offerings are usually much less expensive to run than their counterparts and significantly quieter. The benefits appeal to workers and anyone in the surrounding community where construction occurs.
In Norway, 85% of Oslo’s municipal construction sites are emissions-free. That milestone is largely possible because decision-makers have thought seriously about improving construction site sustainability by finding greener ways to power heavy equipment. Norwegian government officials have also allowed all of the nation’s cities to establish mandated electric work zones, showing what is possible when people work together and pursue new ways of operating.
Air Compressors
Air compressors are among the construction site necessities that many people outside the industry wouldn’t initially consider essential, but workers are well aware of them. They use this equipment to power everything from nail guns to jackhammers.
Portable models also make it easy to bring the compressors to specific locations, either by carrying them or putting them in the back of a truck for quick transportation. Oil-free models are excellent possibilities for enhancing construction site sustainability.
They consume less energy and produce fewer emissions than their counterparts. Because they do not have as many moving parts or require oil changes, this type of equipment is typically low-maintenance and will last a long time with the appropriate care. Although many leaders view longevity as an overall benefit, it may also slow the transition to greener options. Some companies have introduced battery-electric models. However, mobile versions of diesel compressors can keep running well for up to 15 years if maintained as recommended.
Connected Equipment
The rise in connected equipment allows project managers, construction leads and others to get real-time data about overall running time, fuel consumption, machine performance and more. This capability also aligns with construction site sustainability in obvious and unexpected ways.
A leader may realize that increased use of a specific piece of equipment has led to longer wait times between teams because there are not enough machines for everyone to use simultaneously. That may prompt decision-makers to make strategic purchases to address that issue. They realize that it is a more sustainable option in the long run because it will increase output and shorten time frames.
Connected equipment can also detect abnormalities such as vibrations, prompting technicians to investigate issues before they cause downtime. Some sites also use surveying drones that can achieve a +/- 0.6-millimeter accuracy rate. They reduce wasted time and support positive outcomes by minimizing errors.
Shared Machinery
When construction leaders need equipment for specific projects, the common assumption is that they will either rent or buy, depending on their overall budgets and needs. However, they will not realistically use their assets continuously. Instead, many companies require them for specific project phases but may not use the machines for days or weeks afterward.
One recently developed app allows contractors to share equipment among subcontractors. They can do this whether they own the machines or rent them. Parties needing machinery can browse the assortment and book particular makes or models within a dedicated interface. This saves time and prevents frequently seen situations where multiple subcontractors do not coordinate items among themselves but make many separate rental agreements.
Similar arrangements have become commonplace among individuals requiring cars or bikes, especially if they only need them occasionally. Broadening the idea to construction could promote widespread, sustainable changes.
Achieving Construction Site Sustainability With Equipment Changes
There is no single way to make the world’s construction sites more sustainable. The most meaningful progress typically occurs when motivated people develop creative solutions that solve known problems. Those approaches can further other green initiatives, including sustainability-related certifications, recycling efforts and energy use reductions.
These examples show that strategic changes in equipment type and utilization can bring the long-term benefits decision-makers seek. It’s especially helpful if these enhancements involve phasing out older, noisier and less-efficient machines that have larger carbon footprints than newer or shared options.
Most leaders cannot afford to make equipment-related changes quickly, but they should at least explore the possibility of doing it gradually and intentionally while remaining mindful of sustainability. Tracking related metrics should help them stay motivated and verify the return on investment from these decisions. They can share some of the outcomes with clients to prove they are serious about making eco-friendly commitments through actions and not just words.
