INDUSTRY COMMENT


Greener energy on building sites – a power move?


Given the growing demand for cleaner construction site power, Tom Adlington, sector sales manager – building services & construction UK&I at Aggreko, discusses the best methods for project site managers looking to decarbonise power provision


T


he ongoing energy crisis continues to impact the building services sector, especially when it comes to equipment specification. Yet alongside the pressures of rising running costs and inefficient machinery, the need to decarbonise construction sites in line with Net Zero targets and other environmental legislation remains a continuing concern.


It is in this spirit that the sector is seeing


growing demand for low-carbon energy solutions alongside traditional diesel generators. Sourcing greener, more efficient temporary power solutions, while once a preference for sustainability-minded professionals, is now increasingly a priority. Consequently, specifiers are under pressure to reduce overall fuel consumption, and shrink their carbon footprint, all while realising other opportunities to make pronounced cost savings.


The challenges of sustainable alternatives


The sharp hike in fuel costs has undoubtedly been the biggest consequence of the energy crisis, reaching every corner of British industry and public life. Increased prices have added to existing strains felt across the building services sector, such as worker shortages and more expensive building materials. While identifying sustainable alternative technologies and fuels have long been a priority, further exposure to volatile energy pricing is making it into a more urgent consideration for the sector. Site stakeholders are increasingly exploring new options to improve site and equipment efficiency. For example, while diesel gensets could


previously be used to power critical on-site equipment, these solutions may no longer be as viable in major UK cities where ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZ) are becoming more common. It is for this reason that greener equipment procurement has become a necessity for building professionals, especially those working on urban projects.


Turning a corner


Despite these pressures, the construction sector seems resilient in the face of a wider economic downturn, with reports suggesting many are experiencing rising demand. This forecast poses


further questions in terms of how contractors should approach their energy management and take advantage of growth opportunities in a sustainable manner.


Those tasked with navigating existing legislation should also consider the sector’s increasingly eco-conscious customer base. Indeed, building service professionals that engage enthusiastically with decarbonising their practices are well-placed to benefit when it comes to securing new projects.


Right sizing


Navigating uncertain market terrain while facing up to sustainability targets will require an all- encompassing approach from construction site stakeholders. As the primary source of remedial power generation, upgrading diesel gensets is emerging as a common starting point. The issue of operators oversizing generators to ensure power provision further underlines the need to shift standard practice to eradicate these easily solvable inefficiencies. To instead optimise energy usage, equipment specifiers should look at right sizing – opting for solutions that do not exceed the energy needs of the site – this is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption. Moreover, savings can also be achieved through use of a load- on-demand system. Here, where a site would previously make use of a single generator, multiple smaller generators are deployed instead. These units can be brought on-or- offline with demand, meaning only the necessary amounts of fuel and energy are used. For an immediate impact, contractors can also explore the possibility of using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a drop-in fuel. This can achieve up to a 90% reduction in CO¬2¬ emissions, while also reducing nitrous oxides and particulate matter by 15-25% in line with the MCPD. By doing so, contractors are giving an accessible option to going completely diesel- free on their construction sites.


Hybrid systems


Beyond this, integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) provides scope for the creation of a hybrid system, facilitating a further reduction in the use of traditional fuels. Here, battery systems paired with generators can reduce overall energy use by ensuring fuel is only used when needed most. During non-peak hours or at night, automated battery


systems can provide necessary power for welfare structures, lights or security systems with the generator kept offline. Alongside efficiency benefits, running a BESS also means the site is much quieter – a key consideration, especially for urban building works. Together, these systems possess enormous potential to deliver significant fuel savings for contractors. This forms part of Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades initiative which aims to provide industry with attainable and affordable solutions to minimise emissions, in the face of rising costs and sustainability targets. Having invested £150 million over 2022-23, Aggreko’s fleet includes a portfolio of newer technologies, including batteries and Stage V generators. Stage V generators have a key role to play when it comes to cutting emissions. Fitted with diesel particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction systems and diesel oxidation catalysts to reduce particulate matter, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions respectively, these units are well-suited to sustainable construction sites, especially those operating within a city- centre ULEZ.


Remote monitoring


Another way in which sites can reduce emissions is by optimising the energy usage of existing equipment – Aggreko’s unique Remote Monitoring (ARM) system gives a fitting example of this. Through 24/7 oversight of equipment from a central operation centre, the model provides round-the-clock picture of fuel usage, while monitoring everything from mechanical faults and electrical trips. By doing so, operators have the insight to address any areas for efficiency gains and reduce carbon emissions. On larger sites, marginal improvements in fuel usage can create significant financial savings. Also, by keeping a watchful eye on the operation, without needing to be on-site, engineers can make proactive equipment maintenance and respond rapidly to emergencies.


Decisions around decarbonisation


With rising energy prices and sustainability pressures contributing to a perfect storm of challenges, building contractors are left in an unenviable position. However, this is not to say these challenges cannot be navigated. The technologies outlined give an insight into


the routes project stakeholders are exploring as a remedy to higher energy prices and strict environmental legislation. While diesel gensets have served industry well, new obstacles to growth must give rise to new solutions. One final consideration for contractors should be enlisting a partner to assist with their on- site energy generation needs. Calling upon a specialist not only provides operators with the equipment they need to manage the energy crisis, but the experience of an entire network of industry professionals. Moreover, by aligning with engaged hired equipment suppliers that can offer a diverse portfolio of low-carbon options to specifiers, building professionals can scale supply up or down according to demand. Aggreko, for instance, take a hands-on approach to the unique needs of each site, allowing the optimum solution to be implemented and, if necessary, adjusted. By doing so, contractors are left with the dynamism to confidently approach the ever- changing on-site challenges. Whatever approach operators should choose to take, flexibility will be key, especially when it comes to exploring alternatives to diesel and wrestling with rigorous environmental policies. With such challenges in mind, it is clear an all-encompassing approach to equipment provision will leave contractors best placed to alleviate the energy crisis.


30 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2023 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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