Practical steps to reduce the carbon footprint of your construction site
Australia continues to travel the road to net zero, with a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. With embodied carbon from construction activity contributing 10%1 of Australia’s total carbon emissions, with upfront carbon contributing 7%, decarbonising this sector is critical to reaching these targets.
“We all have a part to play in and building a sustainable future,” says Robyn Simpson, National Manager - Environment & Sustainability at Coates. “Decarbonising construction requires accountability and action across all areas on the supply chain, and greater focus on technologies that help construction businesses to understand and reduce their emissions.”
“By taking practical steps to adapt construction practices, embrace cleaner energy solutions and make sustainable equipment choices, contractors and subcontractors have the power to make a big difference. To help customers achieve this and reach their sustainability targets, Coates combines expert advice with a growing fleet of low and zero-emissions tools and equipment.”
Use these 6 practical steps to improve efficiency and reduce emissions on your next project.
1. Right-size equipment to cut fuel waste
Construction projects often rely on equipment that’s too big or powerful for the work that needs to be done, particularly with generators and earthmoving equipment like excavators. But oversized equipment runs well outside of its peak performance, leading to poor fuel economy; unnecessary fuel consumption; excessive GHG emissions and other pollutants; and higher project costs.
“Appropriately sized equipment is essential for reducing carbon emissions in construction,” says Robyn. “Coates’ fleet allows customers to access equipment in a range of different sizes to find the right fit, with product specialists to advise on optimising your setup.”
Hot tip: To make appropriate equipment choices, get to know your electrical energy load profile and size accordingly – avoiding sizing for the 1% day.
2. Choose hybrid systems to power site accommodation
Site offices, which operate from project kick-off to completion – often 24/7 and sometimes for years – are a significant source of energy use and emissions in the construction sector. Coates supports customers in designing highly efficient hybrid-powered site accommodation solutions that combine generators, battery storage and often solar generation to reduce runtime, emissions and noise.
“While some projects need facilities that run around the clock, we see a lot of waste when unoccupied sites continue to operate, just to keep the fridge cold,” says Robyn. “Embracing cleaner energy solutions and sustainable practices for temporary site accommodation has a significant impact on reducing project emissions and costs.”
To support a John Holland and Gamuda joint venture to deliver a major infrastructure project in regional NSW, Coates designed a 3-phase modular hybrid solution, comprising a 45kVA BESS unit, 10kW of container top solar panels and a 60kVA diesel generator. This system will power a large temporary site setup 24/7 for a period of approximately two years, achieving an estimated customer cost saving of nearly $70,000 and a 217,101kg reduction of in CO2 emissions.
Hot tip: Ensure you shut the door when air-conditioning is operating to avoid wasting site energy for heating or cooling.
3. Switch to low and zero-emissions tools and equipment
Conventional tools and equipment typically use fuels that produce emissions. To address this issue, switch to low and zero-emissions alternatives like electric, battery and hybrid-powered gear to achieve:
- Lower emissions
- Lower operating and fuel costs
- Improved fuel efficiency with extended intervals between refuelling
- Reduced noise and pollutants – ideal for indoor environments
Coates’ low and zero-emissions range allows customers to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance. For example, Coates’ 2.5t Electric Forklift has zero tailpipe emissions during operation. During a 50-hour week it uses a lot less energy and costs less to run than a diesel equivalent, consuming approx. $110 of grid electricity, compared to $368 for diesel. This equipment also achieves a significant emissions reduction, producing 176kg GHG emissions (CO2e- Scope 1 or 2) compared to 434kg for equivalent diesel forklift.
Coates’ low and zero-emissions fleet also includes:
4. Avoid unnecessary idling
When traditional diesel engines idle, they continue to burn through fuel. Idling equipment also produces unnecessary GHG emissions, noise, odours and pollutants that can become a major source of respiratory ill-health2.
To prevent idling plant and other heavy equipment impacting your worksite and neighbours:
- Switch heavy equipment off when not in use
- Provide adequate comfortable site facilities to prevent people using equipment cabs to shelter from harsh environmental conditions
- Make schedule adjustments to improve efficiency.
5. Replace diesel with alternative fuel blends
Although traditional diesel engines produce GHG emissions and pollutants, 100% mineral diesel is derived entirely from fossil fuels. “Replacing diesel with renewable diesel, or with a blend of diesel and biodiesel, is a really simple way to reduce emissions particularly in harder to transition transportation tasks and off-road equipment,” says Robyn.
To improve the environmental performance of Coates’ hire fleet, both HVO renewable diesel fuel and 7% biodiesel blend (B7) are compatible with all Coates diesel plant and equipment. For more information, download our flyer.
6. Rent what you need, when you need it
Owning underutilised or outdated equipment creates inefficiencies, increases emissions and can drive up project costs. Partnering with an equipment provider like Coates allows you to access late-model equipment only when you need it – reducing waste, improving equipment performance and supporting circular practices by maximising the life of equipment through shared use.
This approach also allows customers to ‘try before you buy’ to determine if the function and benefits of new technology equipment are right for your site.
Ready to cut emissions on your construction site? Get in touch with your Account Manager or explore our low and zero-emissions equipment range
Sources
1 Infrastructure Australia, Embodied Carbon Projections for Australian Infrastructure and Buildings, 2023
2 https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Air/reducing-motor-vehicle-emissions/Vehicle-idling
