In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. The need for greener, more sustainable ways of delivering construction and infrastructure projects has never been greater, as we charge towards the UK’s Net Zero target writes Balfour Beatty’s Stuart Mcleod.
Balfour Beatty’s Asset & Technology Solutions (ATS) business is at the forefront of this transformation, driving positive change across the business by delivering innovative solutions that drive the transition towards decarbonisation and reshape how, as an industry, we use energy in construction.
Through an ongoing programme of innovation and trials of hydrogen fuel, site electrification of mobile plant to the safe deployment of new technology, we continually gather new knowledge and data which we share with clients and the supply chain to help improve industry outcomes.
Approximately 20% of diesel consumption on Balfour Beatty construction projects is associated with diesel generators, with anything up to 200-300 generators on hire at any one time across the estate. A core element of the ATS strategy is to minimise the energy wasted on our temporary site compounds through a set of minimum energy efficiency standards.
One of these innovations is the EcoNet technology, which has revolutionised power management on our construction sites. In 2023 alone, the EcoNet system saved approximately 1,290,000 kWh of energy – equivalent to the annual consumption of 343 UK households. Deployed across approximately 70 sites, the system works by switching off connected loads according to pre-set time schedules, and by sequentially shedding individual loads as site demand approaches a pre-set maximum. This allows generators and mains connections to be sized appropriate to application as opposed to peak demand, allowing us to deploy with smaller generators, thus reducing generator idle time, and ensuring elevated efficiency levels.
As an industry, another way we can reinvent our ways of working is by upgrading our fleet of site cabins to reduce carbon emissions. To tackle this, ATS supported the rollout of EcoSense cabins, which are designed to reduce energy consumption by an average of 30% through a range of integrated energy-saving features.
With better insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and smaller heating systems, EcoSense cabins ensure that energy use is minimised without compromising on comfort and functionality. These cabins are also compatible with roof mounted solar panels, which further decreases our emissions. This integration increases energy efficiency and significantly reduces our carbon footprint, making EcoSense cabins a pivotal component of our sustainability strategy, which along with EcoNet technology forms the basis of our minimum energy efficiency standards for our site compounds.
As any responsible business, we also recognise the significant impact of vehicle emissions on our overall carbon footprint, and as a result, we have removed all full petrol and diesel cars from our fleet list, meaning that all of our company cars are either electric, or hybrid. This shift is not just about compliance with environmental regulations but about leading by example in the construction industry.
We have also begun conducting hydrogen trials and deploying hydrogen fuel cells for clean site power, as well as converting HGVs to hydrogen dual fuel, all of which we believe are essential steps in our decarbonisation journey. In addition, we are utilising telematics to drive positive behavioral changes in our plant and road fleet operations to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
By embracing innovation and sustainability, we can pave the way for a new era in construction where efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Our dedication and ingenuity will drive this change, with ATS business proving that a sustainable and energy-efficient future is within our reach.
As we continue to meet the challenges and opportunities of the UK market, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future. We must champion this change together, embracing innovation and sustainability as the cornerstones of a new era in construction.
Stuart Mcleod is one of the Energy Managers for Balfour Beatty’s Asset & Technology Solutions business.
