According to a report (2022) from the Environmental Audit Committee, the built environment of the UK is responsible for around 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions within the UK.
With the government signing a legally binding contract to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the industries responsible for the development of the built environment across the country must play a part in reducing emissions. Whether this is possible can no longer be debated, instead the construction industry and others must consider how this can be done.
Reducing the carbon emissions of the construction industry
Both project managers and site contractors hold responsible roles when it comes to the management and operations of a construction industry. Therefore these two groups of people should be playing a role in the reduction of carbon emissions within the construction industry, as a whole. Below we have outlined some of the steps those in power can take in order to see a positive impact on the environment. Although some of the below steps are only small, a collaborative approach across the entire industry will result in positive outcomes.
Opt for renewable on-site energy sources
The switch to renewable energy sources has never been more accessible or affordable. With so many tools, machinery and equipment to power, a construction site of a relatively average size will consume a huge amount of energy each day. One way to reduce the carbon emissions of the industry is to cut down on traditional energy sources, and instead opt for renewable energy sources instead.
Different renewable energy sources for a construction site include:
1. Hydroelectric power
2. Sun power
3. Wind power
4. Hydrogen power
However if a renewable source of energy is not available to you, an energy efficient generator may also suffice in helping manage the site’s energy consumption.
Source local materials
In a bid to reduce a site’s transportation costs and cut down on the reliability of vehicles and imported materials, try to source local building materials. Obviously, these will differ depending on where the site is located, but companies who opt to do this will find they will lower their carbon emissions by simply reducing the number of transported goods required throughout the project. Locally sourced materials could include home grown timber, local stone or sand, as well as recycled materials from nearby buildings.
Reuse and recycle across the construction site
Talking of recycled materials, it is also recommended that construction sites begin to reuse and recycle materials and goods as much as possible. This is particularly important during a demolition or renovation project, where materials and goods already exist on site.
Make use of modern technologies to enhance on-site decision making
Construction site managers and contractors should also make use of modern technologies in order to enhance the efficiency of the construction process. Projects that have gone through a thorough planning process are far more efficient and much more likely to achieve their sustainability goals. Therefore it is incredibly beneficial to invest in the technologies that allow for proper planning and decision making, helping the site to achieve a successful build that has a low impact on the environment. Tools such as BIM are currently a preferred choice.
At SRP Hire Solutions, we take our duty to the environment incredibly seriously. Across our site services, hiring solutions and more, we place a key focus on reducing our impact on the environment and comply fully with legal requirements to ensure we complete all services and activities to the highest standards.
