The Future of Construction is Green
Quiet, green, and clean. These are words we can start using to describe a construction site. You might be thinking, how? Oslo has an answer.
Construction sites are one of the world’s most high-emission industries. However, they do not have to be. In the heart of Oslo, there is a unique site. It is the first place to have diggers, loads and excavators that are all-electric.
This pilot project started in September 2019 making it the first zero-emission urban construction site in the world. The fumes and noise are usually major negative factors when building, but people barely notice if the electric machines are on or off. This introduction has lead to a huge reduction in noise and pollution resulting in neighbours and people walking by being more pleased. Those working at the site also experience better communication because of the low noise levels, creating a safer and better working environment.
Climate Agency, City of Oslo | BBC
35 000 litres of diesel was also saved using the electric construction machines.
10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction sector. This is clear when looking at CO2 emissions, seeing as 38 percent of the world’s emissions comes from the construction sector. This is why Oslo wants to pave the path for decarbonising the construction industry.
Norway is lucky that its electricity grid is made up of 98 percent renewable energy, making it a great place to test zero-emission sites.
Although in Oslo construction is accountable for only 7 percent of emissions, they are enthusiastic to improve and be a pilot site for others to take inspiration.
This project in Oslo is a big statement, a positive one as well, showing that emission-free sites are achievable and hopefully become the standard in the future.
Noise pollution is an important consideration around construction sites, and these electric machines allow people to work early in the morning and late at night, helping to make money back.
A problem with the construction sector is that it is typically driven by lowering its cost in projects, rather than focusing on greenhouse gas emissions. Electric machines can cost up to two or three times as much as a diesel machine, therefore they are not prioritised. Cities would also need the right amount of power to be able to supply these electric machines.
A battery system that can help replace the diesel generators that currently power the world’s construction is Ampd Enertainer. The goal of this battery is to help the electrification of the construction industry. It can power cranes, welders and other electric construction equipment.
However, in the end, this expensive equipment pays off. Not having to pay for diesel, and the electricity required to power the machines works out to be cheaper. This saves a lot of money while the construction is ongoing.
Copenhagen and Helsinki have been quick to follow the lead with clean and green construction sites. Slowly but surely other cities will start converting to quiet construction sites, resulting in a greener future.
