Tackling embodied emissions with the right size construction equipment

Chris Rason, managing director at Aggreko, discusses the importance of opting for the right size construction equipment that does not exceed the needs of the site, in the industry’s charge for net zero

As the UK ramps up its efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it’s important to first identify and address the key barriers to achieving this goal. In the past, CO₂ reduction schemes have predominantly focused on day-to-day emissions, such as those of cars or domestic heating.

However, in recent years the concept of embodied emissions is being increasingly recognised as key element of achieving net zero. As such, we have looked to blaze a positive trail in this area with our own actions here at Aggreko.

When we consider that embodied emissions cover all CO₂ emitted before a building comes into use, including the harvest, processing, transportation and installation of materials, it is clear there is space to take action. This is especially the case when you consider statistics like those from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, which estimates that for the average office development, these steps account for 35% of lifetime emissions.

Methods of greener practice

With awareness of this continuing to grow, the UK construction industry has now looked towards adopting methods of greener practice in order curb this figure. At Aggreko, for example, we have committed to reducing local air quality emissions by 50% before 2030, and reach net zero across all business operations by 2050.

Often, one of the largest sources of carbon emissions on site is powering the build itself. In the absence of a grid connection, gensets are instead deployed as a temporary energy source. However, without the right solutions, this can often be subject to high levels of inefficiency. Ideally, generators should be operated at 80% load or above, though we have found that many interim solutions are often operated at as low as 30% capacity.

Powering a build with “Right sizing”

In my own experience, I have noticed that this leads to a substantial increase in both carbon emissions and operating costs for the site over an extended period of time. For this reason, we feel that one of the most critical considerations in reducing embodied emissions is opting for “right sizing” when powering a build – making use of equipment that does not exceed the needs of the site.

Here, a singular generator can be replaced with multiple smaller generators that scale up or down by way of a load on demand system, allowing only the required amount of energy to be used.

This approach not only leads to a reduction in carbon emissions, but provides ample scope for the integration of other low-carbon technologies. For example, by incorporating battery storage in spinning reserve, a hybrid system can be created that seamlessly switches between the two based on demand. I have also been excited by the growing use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an effective drop-in fuel, further reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

By opting for only the right size equipment and making use of low-carbon technology where possible, contractors can achieve a substantial reduction in the embodied emissions of their builds.

To ensure that these tools are accessible, we have recently launched our landmark Greener Upgrades initiative to support the UK construction industry in its move towards net zero. Here, by offering solutions that are both environmentally friendly and pragmatic, we aim to help contractors make impactful choices to reduce emissions while keeping operating costs to a minimum.”