An Electric Decade in Construction - How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 - Hyperdrive Innovation
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An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19
Contents Executive Summary
Executive Summary 3
2020 marks the start of a significant decade of change in the
construction industry – one in which electrification and emissions
Report Contributors 4
reductions will dominate.
Legislation Perspectives in Northern Europe 6 EU member states have collectively set a 2050 net zero emissions
target, with many countries having strict 2030 targets. This is
putting pressure on all sectors to decarbonise. As one of the most
Construction: An Electric Future 8
significant contributors to carbon emissions, the construction
industry is particularly impacted by changing legislation and
1.0 Introduction 10
climate targets and therefore must act quickly to move away from
fossil fuel dependency.
2.0 Part I – COVID-19 Recovery 11
2.1 Downing tools
An Electric Decade in Construction, which includes views from 15 industry experts across
2.2 Building back better Europe, has found that the next ten years will be centred around four key themes:
2.3 Safety refined
Speed The transition to electric
construction machinery will be
2.4 Embracing innovation Governments are looking towards the construction sector to stimulate economic aided by battery technology
growth in the recovery from COVID-19. Construction will need to be ramped up developments taking place in the
to meet the growing demand for infrastructure across Europe. This will see an automotive industry.
3.0 Part II – Electric Future 14
acceleration in the adoption of innovative construction processes, including the Lithium-ion batteries are fast
switch to electric equipment. becoming more efficient, reliable
3.1 Speed
and cost effective. This will increase
3.2 Safety Sustainability the range of applications where
battery electric construction
Within the great challenges that the pandemic has brought, lies a rich machinery can be applied and help
3.2.1 Air pollution
opportunity for the construction industry to build back better, with a focus on accelerate the transition away from
3.2.2 Noise Pollution cleaner construction that is in line with pressing climate targets. The industry fossil fuels.
demand for zero emission electrified equipment will grow rapidly throughout the
3.3 Sustainability next decade. This research has clearly and
unequivocally found that the next
3.4 Simplicity Safety decade will be shaped by a rapid
transition to cleaner methods of
3.4.1 Adopting a ‘modern methods approach’ COVID-19 has brought a renewed focus on workplace safety within the industry. construction. Now is the time for
A greater consideration of the dangers of air pollution as well as the transition the industry to take a leading role in
to more time spent off-site will become more common in construction projects achieving a more sustainable future.
across Europe. This will see the move away from noisy, polluting diesel engines
and generators towards cleaner, quieter electrified machinery.
Simplicity
A more streamlined and cost-effective approach to construction is expected in
the coming decade. Lower fuel and maintenance costs and being future proofed
against the ever-changing legislative landscape, will drive the construction
industry towards electrified equipment. There will also be an uptick in demand
for a ‘modern methods’ approach to construction, using prefabricated,
standardised building components developed off-site, to simplify and clean up
construction processes.
Stephen Irish, Commercial Director at Hyperdrive Innovation.
4 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 5
Report Contributors
Jaimie Johnston, Ida Karlsson, Dominique Chevillard, Ronald Vlaar, Pascal Martin-Daguet,
Director & Head of Global Chalmers University Research & Technical Director Senior Sales Manager Chief Operating Officer
Systems at Bryden Wood. of Technology. at Fédération Nationale at Asjes B.V. at Colas Group.
des Travaux Publics (FNTP).
Gunde Odgaard, John Gill, Michael Cross, Stefan Schneider, Caroline Gumble,
Head Secretariat Chief Manufacturing Head of Partnerships Co-Managing Director CEO at The Chartered Institute
at BAT Kartellet. Officer at Snorkel. & Innovation at Willmott Dixon. at Suncar HK AG. of Building (CIOB).
Kristoffer Hofling, Hans Säll, Anne-Marie Frissen, Mike Pitts, Filip Fidler,
Nordic Business Development Senior Vice President Infrastructure Policy Advisor Deputy Challenge Director NPD Buyer at Doosan Bobcat.
Engineer at NCC. and Head of Business at Bouwend Nederland. at Transforming Construction,
Development, NCC. Innovate UK.
6 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 7
Legislation Perspectives in Northern Europe SCANDINAVIA
• Climate target: Sweden
Cut GHG emissions by near
55% by 2030
Finland
• Norway’s major cities, Olso
and Bergen both have low
emission zones • Climate target:
• All construction sites to be Net Zero emissions by 2045
completely emission free • Major cities including Stockholm,
by 2030 in Oslo Gothenburg and Malmo have low
Norway emissions zones
• The construction sector accounts for • Climate target:
25% of carbon dioxide emissions Carbon neutral by
• Climate target:
• Air pollution: commitment to 2035, one of the
Net Zero emissions by 2050
reduce NOx emissions by 36% fastest targets ever set
• Emissions zones:
and PM 2.5 by 19% by 2030 • Helsinki has a low
Over 10 cities have planned
emission zone
emissions zones
Denmark • 600,000 people in
• Air pollution: Construction accounts
• Climate target: Finland are exposed
for 7.5% NOX, 8% PM10 and
Cut emissions by 70% by 2030 at home to high levels
14.5% PM2.5 emissions
(from 1990 levels) noise pollution
• Multiple cities have low emission • Aims at 100% fossil
free construction
UK zones, including in Copenhagen
sites from 2025
THE NETHERLANDS
EU
• Construction industry accounts for: GERMANY
- 7.3% of the EU’s employment.
- 18 million direct jobs • Climate Target:
- 9% of the EU’s GDP 55% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (1990 levels)
• Millions of people in Europe suffer from
noise levels that scientists and health FRANCE • Climate target: • Emissions Zones:
Over 58 cites have low emission zones
Cut emissions by 49% by 2030
experts consider unacceptable • Building accounts for 15% of total GHG emissions
(from to 1990 levels).
• Built environment accounts for: • Carbon pricing system in the transport and
• Air pollution: Annual mean concentration
- 40% of energy consumption construction sectors by 2021
of PM2. 5 is 12 µg/m3, exceeding the
- 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU
recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3
• 800,000 people die prematurely each
• Mobile construction equipment is responsible
year in Europe due to poor air quality
• Climate target: for 10 percent of the health damage
Net Zero emissions by 2050 caused by dirty air
• Emissions Zones:
Over 28 cites across the country
• Construction accounts for:
- 45% energy consumption
- 27% of total GHG emissions
8 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 9
Construction: An Electric Future
Sustainability Simplicity Safety Speed
Less CO2 Less Maintenanceof Machinery Less AirPollution More Flexible Working Hours
Meeting Emissions Targets Lower Fuel Costs Less Noise Pollution Battery Bank
10 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 11
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Part I – COVID-19 Recovery
This report is an industry-wide investigation The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt by all industries and communities across the globe
into how the construction industry is predicted and the effects will be felt for years to come. Everything from the way that people work, to how buildings
and infrastructure is designed and built will never be quite the same again. However, despite the many
to change over the next decade as we adapt
challenges posed by COVID-19, it’s also become clear that the industry has been presented with a once in a
to a post-COVID world. We spoke to 15 lifetime opportunity to rebuild economies and communities in a cleaner, more considerate way.
industry experts, representing industry bodies,
machinery innovators, global construction In many ways, COVID-19 has injected a renewed sense of 2.1. Downing tools
urgency into existing challenges the industry has faced for
companies and academic institutions, across years – How do we expand construction to meet demands
As countries went into lockdown across the world, almost
overnight, many building projects came to a stop, and millions
five key European markets to get their views of population growth and poverty improvements without
of constructions sites closed. Respected Glennigan data
damaging the environment for future generations? How do
on the next decade in construction, specifically we limit the negative impacts the industry has on climate
showed that approximately 3,000 sites in the UK alone were
closed to all but essential safety and security staff by the
looking into the impacts of COVID-19 and the change and modernise in a way that works for people,
middle of April. The direction of travel for the industry was
planet and profit? How does the industry adapt to meet the
trends towards electrification. The findings highly uncertain. The pandemic has taken different shapes in
continuing tightening of emissions legislations and net zero
of this report are derived from topics and targets? For construction to thrive in the next decade, the
different regions and world economies, however as we look
to recover from its impacts, key themes have emerged of how
issues covered in these interviews and industry will have to adapt to address these challenges and
the industry will look to bounce back.
do it quickly.
industry wide polling.
“COVID-19 hasn’t fundamentally shifted the 2.2. Building back better
constructions industry’s existing challenges As nations’ look to bounce back from the impacts of
– instead it has made these challenges more COVID-19, construction is seen as a method to rejuvenate
acute. This could see the rapid acceleration the economy. In the UK, the government has pledged
of innovation and solutions to meet the significant investment into infrastructure and building in
its ‘build, build, build’ strategy. This will see the demand
challenges facing the industry”
for construction increase in the near future. The pandemic
has also given us a chance to pause and reconsider how
we move forward and build back better post-pandemic.
Jaimie Johnston, Director & Head of For the construction industry, improving the sustainability
Global Systems at Bryden Wood. and long-term efficiency of buildings and construction
has become a priority.
“COVID-19 has given us the opportunity
to put sustainability and innovation at the
heart of strategies going forward. It has
really increased the urgency to improve.”
Caroline Gumble, CEO at The Chartered
Institute of Building (CIOB).
Project Managers are now looking at developments through
a longer-term lens, putting further consideration into how
buildings can be designed and constructed in a way that
supports the communities that they serve, today and into
the future. The majority of a building’s total environmental
impact comes after it has been constructed. Implementing
measures that increase the overall efficiency of buildings in
the long-term, such as improving energy efficiency, will be
central to achieving long-term sustainability.
12 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 13
COVID-19 has also injected urgency into the push towards Being largely an ‘outdoor’ industry, working from home 2.4. Embracing innovation “The construction industry needs to
cleaner construction equipment, with zero emissions isn’t a fully viable option and significant time on site to continue to work to improve its efficiency,
The defining challenge for the industry over the next
technology expected to grow rapidly in the next decade. 75% complete building projects is essential. However, COVID-19
decade is how to reduce emissions across all stages of the reduce emissions and support the energy
of construction workers surveyed agreed that COVID-19 will has highlighted the potential to see more work taken off-
increase the demand for cleaner equipment. Construction site in the future. Planning will become a more virtual
construction in line with climate targets. Technological transition – Improving and implementing
improvements are driving forward the transition to a more innovation will be central to this.”
managers are also putting a greater emphasis on reducing process with meetings and design taking place online rather
productive and efficient construction industry, and COVID-19
the embedded emissions of the materials they use, including than onsite. The shift to a more manufacturing-based
could accelerate this transition. COVID-19 has undoubtedly
shortening supply chains where possible and reconsidering construction process will also be accelerated. This involves
lead to significant delays in building projects at every scale. Dominique Chevillard, Research & Technical
building material production and procurement processes. moving to a standardised approach whereby prefabricated
To make up for lost time, embracing new innovations and Director at Fédération Nationale des Travaux
building components are manufactured in a factory setting
construction processes will be vital. Publics (FNTP).
“The life cycle impacts of building projects, off-site. This means less time spent overall on site during
including procurement, transport and the construction process, and thus lower transmission risks. In recent years, there’s been a rapid improvement in battery Productivity can also be boosted through adopting
An additional benefit is lower emissions and dramatically technology in the automotive and energy sectors and the
site emissions are becoming increasingly technologies that will lengthen the working hours in the
reduced air pollution onsite – a win-win. construction industry is set to benefit from this transition.
important for securing construction day. Noise pollution has long been an issue for construction
The variety and quality of electrified construction machinery sites, with strict noise regulations in areas across Europe.
permits. This is driving the push for cleaner, “Greater coordination within supply has increased significantly in recent years and the electric By implementing the latest electric equipment which has a
electric equipment across all phases of the chains, faster constructions times and range of equipment will continue to progress over the silent engine, greatly reducing overall noise levels on site,
construction process.” improved environmental performance can next decade. Battery costs are reducing as technology the extension of workdays can be permitted. This could be
continues to advance and power density of batteries is
all be achieved with a more standardised critical in turbo charging the recovery from COVID-19 and
increasing. This makes new applications and developments meeting building deadlines, avoiding potentially expensive
approach to the industry” for battery powered machinery in the construction industry extension licences on new and existing projects. 85%
Kristoffer Hofling, Nordic Business increasingly commercially feasible. This means that electric of construction industry workers surveyed agreed that
Development Engineer at NCC. equipment isn’t just deployed in a limited sense but as an using quieter electrified equipment will enable extended
integral component across all phases of construction. Lower working hours.
Mike Pitts, Deputy Challenge Director at
Transforming Construction, Innovate UK. running costs, silent engines, zero emissions and future
2.3. Safety refined proofing ahead of a changing legislative landscape are all
“The deployment of quieter construction
COVID-19 has brought workplace safety into sharp focus In an onsite setting, construction managers’ priority is key benefits driving demand for electrified machinery across
the construction industry as the sector looks to improve
machinery opens up the prospect of
in many businesses. Millions of employees are now having improving working conditions for the protection of site
to work from home where possible, offices have been efficiency and performance. extending the hours that certain equipment
workers. Exposure to poor air quality has been strongly
restructured to cater for social distancing and workplace linked with exacerbating the effects of COVID-19. From an is permitted. The potential productivity
safety has moved to the top of the agenda. The construction occupational standpoint, construction workers are one of the increases this would lead too could be
industry is no different. most exposed groups to dangerous levels of air pollution. very important.”
Reducing exposure to air pollution onsite, either by altering
“With safety being a core pillar of the working patterns or adopting the latest low emission
sector, the construction industry was machinery will therefore be high on the agenda for site
safety managers. This is set to be a key trend in the industry Jaimie Johnston, Director & Head of Global
already well set up to swiftly adjust to the Systems at Bryden Wood.
going forward.
new safety demands of COVID-19.”
“The switch to electric construction
equipment will greatly reduce the levels
Anne-Marie Frissen, Infrastructure Policy of dangerous air pollution on site and help
Advisor at Bouwend Nederland.
create a safer working environment for
construction workers,”
Ida Karlsson, Chalmers University
of Technology.
More generally, the pandemic has changed the way we think
about all aspects of safety in the workplace and at home.
More stringent safety measures are expected to proliferate
in future years across all sectors, including in construction.
14 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 15
3.0 Part II – Electric Future
The industry experts interviewed for this report unanimously identified a trend towards Quieter machinery will play an important role in jump 3.2 Safety
the electrification of construction equipment in all European markets over the next decade. starting construction sites and increasing productivity across
For the construction industry, improving safety is and has
Europe. Excessive noise levels are hazardous to site workers
A perfect storm of expanding low emissions zones, tightening air pollution legislation, increased always been a top priority. It is a multifaceted issue with a
and disturb the surrounding population and local wildlife.
environmental awareness, net zero climate targets, and the business benefits of using electric host of different considerations for construction managers
Further, regional legislation restricts working hours to limit
machinery are combining to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-powered equipment. such as protective equipment and accident prevention.
this noise pollution and noise complaints can lead to costly
This trend is encapsulated by four themes; speed, safety, simplicity and sustainability. Research for this report identified two prominent safety
delays, potentially jeopardising project timelines. In the UK,
issues that are set to shape the next decade in construction;
construction work, particularly the use of noisy machinery
air pollution and noise pollution.
Responding to this market demand for electrification will be 3.1 Speed such as excavators and generators, is restricted to the
a priority for OEMs. This will in turn improve the availability, following hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturdays
variety and quality of electric equipment over the next
Demand for construction is high in much of Europe. 8am to 1pm. This is often disruptive for building projects and “The way we look at health and safety
Construction equipment sales in Europe hit their highest is a key factor when planning construction timelines. has changed as a result of the coronavirus
decade. Developments in battery technology in recent years
level for a decade in 2018 and in 2019, the industry
has seen the affordability battery powered solutions improve
Eliminating the need for an ‘engine’, electrified equipment
pandemic. This will have a positive
experienced similarly strong market growth of 3.4%.
significantly across all sectors, from energy storage to impact on all aspects of safety on
Increasing urbanisation and population growth is drastically reduces noise levels on site. Electrified equipment
electric vehicles. construction sites”
driving demand for more affordable housing and critical can be easily used inside buildings, inner-city work sites
infrastructure, including roads and other transport links. and other noise sensitive areas. With electrified equipment
“Responding quickly and promptly to a considerably quieter than traditional equipment, the number
This, coupled with the need to make up for delays caused by
market which is changing so rapidly has the COVID-19 pandemic, means that the industry will need of hours of the day where machinery can be used can be
become more crucial than ever before. extended. This improves the efficiency and productivity of Pascal Martin-Daguet, Chief Operating Officer
to ramp up productivity to meet deadlines or face difficult
at Colas Group.
Innovations and customer-tailored machines financial consequences. In order to achieve this, modern, construction sites and avoids costly delays.
are trending. To fulfil that demand, innovative approaches to building must be embraced.
“Today, in most cities across Europe there 3.2.1 Air pollution
investment in the development of clean
equipment must continue” ‘‘In the past, the construction industry has are limits on what time of day you can Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease
been somewhat reluctant to make use of work on construction sites. The more you and is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe.
the latest innovations. But this is changing electrify the equipment, the more you can An estimated 800,000 people die prematurely each year in
rapidly as the industry is starting to realise work around the clock” Europe due to poor air quality. Diesel engines and generators
Ronald Vlaar, Senior Sales Manager are the main culprits for poor air quality in cities, particularly
at Asjes B.V.
the benefits of embracing innovation. Times
their emissions of Nitrogen Dioxide (NOX) and particulate
of crisis can often help focus the minds matter (PM10, PM2.5). Off-highway vehicles and machinery,
Electrified machinery has already been developed by a and lead to rapid change – recovery from Hans Säll, Senior Vice President and Head of which is currently predominately diesel powered, is a key
number of leading vehicle manufacturers including JCB, COVID-19, could accelerate the adoption Business Development, NCC. part of the problem. According to the London Atmospheric
Doosan Bobcat and Volvo. Even so, demand is outstripping of technology to help speed up Emissions Inventory, construction sites are responsible
supply. In Norway for example, construction companies have for approximately 7.5% of damaging nitrogen oxide (NOx)
construction processes.’
turned to converting fossil-fuel driven machinery to comply emissions, 8% of large particle emissions (PM10) and 14.5%
Industry leaders
with tightening legislation. of emissions of the most dangerous fine particles (PM2.5).
JCB is a market leader in electrified excavators and While a small amount of this (about 1%) is dust from site
“In Norway, retrofitting construction Mike Pitts, Deputy Challenge Director at its fully electric 19C-IE offers very low operator activities like demolition, the vast majority comes from the
equipment so that it meets the stricter Transforming Construction, Innovate UK. noise levels. The external noise, is up to a massive thousands of diesel diggers, generators and other machines
five times quieter than its traditional diesel-powered operating on sites. This pollution isn’t just bad for the public,
emissions legislation has been the
counterpart, meaning that there are no restrictions but for workers too – construction workers are considered to
most practical solution for construction in hours of operation, increasing the productivity of be one of the most vulnerable groups to the negative impacts
managers. However, this can be costly and construction sites. of air pollution. In a recent study, construction workers were
is not an effective long-term solution. The found to be exposed to six times’ the level of dangerous air
development of new electric equipment will pollution than office workers.
need to be ramped up rapidly in the coming
years to help meet the growing demand.”
Ida Karlsson, Chalmers University of
Technology.
16 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 17
Rising air pollution has led to many authorities across Europe EU Stage V Engine Regs 3.3 Sustainability While improving the long-term efficiency and productivity
to take action by introducing clean air zones and tighter of buildings can achieve the most significant emissions
• As of 1 January 2019, all new agricultural, The climate crisis has put sustainability at the top of the
air pollution standards. This has presented a significant reductions, minimising on site emissions during the
construction and building material machinery, agenda. Most European countries have enshrined net zero
challenge for the construction industry – how can it adapt to construction phase of projects by using the latest low carbon
industrial trucks, cranes and inland waterway emissions targets in law. The next 10 years will be the most
tightening legislation while still delivering on time and within technology is an area receiving a lot of attention. Adopting
vessels have had to comply with new emissions crucial decade for decarbonisation and because building
budget? Our research indicates the answer is emphatically this technology is a quick win for reducing emissions on
standards: Euro-Stage V. and construction is responsible for around 39% of global
electrification. Not only does electric equipment have zero site. Driven by tightening emissions legislation and public
emissions, it will have a central role to play in decarbonising
tailpipe emissions, it also helps construction managers • For the first time, all engines (petrol, diesel, gas, etc.) pressure, zero emission electric equipment is set to boom in
the global economy.
comply with current legislation and future proof themselves with a power range of 0 kW to higher than 560 kW the next decade. 87% of workers in the construction industry
ahead of further tightening regulations in years to come. for use in Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) are surveyed, agreed that demand for electrified construction
Additional benefits including significantly reduced fuel and included in the EU Directive. “Urbanisation and population density are equipment will increase over the next decade.
maintenance costs make electrification an easy choice. Fuel both increasing significantly. Meeting the
• In order to further reduce the levels of particulate
cost benefits of switching to electric will also be amplified by growing demands this causes in a way “We’re not only seeing a rapid increase
matter (PM), the maximum particle number for
further restrictions on diesel fuel expected in markets across that supports climate change targets is a in demand for cleaner construction from
engines between 19 kW and 560 kW is limited to
Europe. In the UK for example, red diesel tax benefits will be
1x1012 #/kWh. key challenge for the industry in the next government through legislation, but
removed for construction machinery in April 2022, meaning
construction machinery operators will have to pay an extra
decade – but an area that the construction customers themselves are pushing for
£0.47 on every litre of diesel consumed. The industry expects industry can contribute a lot to”. cleaner practices”
this to be a significant challenge and is driving the transition 3.2.2 Noise Pollution
away from diesel.
The construction industry is a high-risk industry for noise
related ill health. Around 50% of all construction workers Hans Säll, Senior Vice President and Head of Kristoffer Hofling, Nordic Business
“In 10 years, it will be rare to see diesel have been exposed to hazardous noise and approximately Business Development, NCC. Development Engineer at NCC.
machinery and equipment on construction 14% of all workers have hearing difficulty. Many construction
sites in Denmark.” processes are noisy and directly harm workers long-term Adding to the challenge is the fact that construction is Europe is at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon
hearing through prolonged exposure to dangerous volume forecast to increase in demand over the next ten years. economy, with some of the most ambitious climate targets
of sound. Workers that have suffered hearing losses, coupled In order to achieve this while also meeting emissions in the world in northern and western Europe. In many ways,
with noisy site conditions, can make it difficult for workers targets, the industry will need to rapidly embrace the latest Europe will lead the way in decarbonising the construction
Gunde Odgaard, Head Secretariat to hear warning signals, increasing the chance of accidents low emission technologies, including electrifying much of industry with the rest of the world set to follow its lead.
at BAT Kartellet. and injuries happening on site. As a result, reducing noise its operations.
pollution on site is a key safety challenge for the industry. “Scandinavia and Western Europe has
As clean air zones continue to become more widespread across
One of the most significant and often overlooked benefits of
“The construction industry is facing already committed to ambitious emissions
Europe, the transition towards clean electric equipment and
away from diesel powered equipment will be accelerated. electric construction machines is the reduction in dangerous legislative challenges from two sides; targets and are leading the demand for
noise pollution. Electric alternatives have substantially climate targets and air pollution limits. electric powered equipment.”
lower noise and vibrations levels compared with diesel Construction managers are seeking
counterparts, while also leading to improved comfort and innovative ways to navigate the
safety for operators and others on site. This is an important
changing landscape”
benefit for site managers looking to sure up site safety John Gill, Chief Manufacturing Officer
and seen as an attractive option to improve worker safety at Snorkel.
going forward.
Anne-Marie Frissen, Infrastructure Policy
“Demand for quieter equipment is rising to Advisor at Bouwend Nederland.
meet stricter noise requirements and safety
regulations as towns and cities become The construction industry’s scope for reducing emissions
more densely populated.” is far reaching, from embedded emissions in materials
from production and procurement, to direct emissions from
construction sites, to the lifetime impact of infrastructure
after being built.
John Gill, Chief Manufacturing Officer
at Snorkel.
18 An Electric Decade in Construction How can construction bounce back for the better post COVID-19 19
3.4 Simplicity “As batteries continue to improve in cars, Electric machinery also protects against volatile fuel costs. 3.4.1 Adopting a ‘modern methods approach’
construction equipment will simultaneously Spikes in fuel prices can undermine careful construction
The construction industry is largely financially driven. Time The shift to modern techniques where a standardised
budget planning. Fully electric equipment isn’t affected by
and money are often tight and construction managers focus follow and benefit alongside. Electric approach of producing components off site in a factory
fuel price volatility in the same way as traditional diesel
on the most economical, effective and simple solutions. is currently the quickest, easiest and equipment, which is seen as an important benefit for
setting to standard sizes will become increasingly common
most economical way to improve energy in the sector, especially in the UK. This will increase the
The most important challenge for the industry in the next construction planners.
efficiency of machinery and will be so for demand for more skilled construction workers in the sector
decade is how to decarbonise while keeping costs down
and support quality job creation.
without compromising on quality. Electric equipment is years to come. Most construction machinery “Keeping on top of tight budgets is a
leading the way as the most simple and cost-effective method applications suit electric drivetrains, so the priority for any project manager and
for the industry to decarbonise. Electric equipment has “There will be an uptick in demand for
transition is – in an engineering point of volatility in fuel prices can be a costly skilled workers in the industry to apply
lower fuel and maintenance costs, removes the requirement
for costly exhaust extraction equipment when operating
view – straightforward.” problem. The ability to accurately and the modern approaches.”
indoors, meets tightening emissions legislation, and negates consistently predict fuel costs is a huge
the need for continuous and costly engine upgrades to benefit of electrified equipment for
meet legislation. Stefan Schneider, Co-Managing Director construction managers.”
Caroline Gumble, CEO at The Chartered
at Suncar HK AG.
Institute of Building (CIOB).
“Cost is always an important factor. Broadly
speaking, powering a construction site via The performance benefits and ease of using and applying
As the industry moves towards more modern methods of
Ida Karlsson, Chalmers University
electricity costs around 25% less than using electric equipment on site compared to diesel are also
of Technology. construction (MMC), prefabrication and factory-based methods
driving the industry towards electrification. For construction
a diesel generator, and for big projects that will become increasingly prevalent. Offsite manufacturing
managers, investing in electric now ensures that machinery
require a lot of time on site, this can make a For a smooth transition to electric equipment, awareness methods offer a range of benefits from improved efficiency,
is future proofed and will meet stricter engine and emissions
big difference.” of the benefits of making the switch need to be made clear simplicity and shorter construction times with reduced costs
legislation without the need for costly upgrades. It also
to all decision makers in the industry. Switching to electric and added environmental benefits.
means that they can avoid potentially hefty fines for noise
equipment doesn’t need to be disruptive to construction
pollution and health and safety issues, ensuring projects are
sites. Following the daily working routine, Doosan Bobcat’s “With a push toward modern methods
delivered on time and on budget. The electric components
Michael Cross, Head of Partnerships & fully electric excavator, the E10e, can operate throughout a of construction, the industry is moving
used in machines are more efficient, and contain fewer
Innovation at Willmott Dixon. full working day. Using an external supercharger, the battery
moving parts than internal combustion engines, aiding the from a build on site to a assemble
can be recharged to 80% of battery capacity in less than
In recent years, the direction of travel for the construction
reduction in maintenance costs. These factors make electric
2 hours – during working breaks. The battery can also be
on site mentality. There are fewer
an attractive choice for the industry going forward. components, improving efficiency and
industry has been towards electrification and it will continue recharged overnight by using the on-board charger from a
to be the technology of choice for the industry. The standard 230V grid, ensuring it is ready for use for the day construction times”
transition will be made easier by battery developments in “Having diesel on site is annoying – ahead. Awareness of the ease and benefits of switching
the automotive industry, where the European electric vehicle it creates health and safety issues, to electric equipment will need to be increased for a
market is set to boom in the coming years. The IEA predicts environmental issues, extra work, spills swifter transition.
that by 2030 almost half of all car sales in Europe could be Michael Cross, Head of Partnerships &
reduce productivity. Having a simple plug Innovation at Willmott Dixon.
electric. Developments in battery technology for electric
and play solution, to deliver electrical
vehicles is rapidly driving down battery costs and improving
performance. This will further amplify the cost benefit of
power, helps solve these issues and The transition to this approach will see construction hubs
electric equipment into the future. will increase demand for these solutions become more prevalent reducing the levels of embedded
going forward.” emissions from transport of materials. Construction hubs could
also complement the deployment of electrified equipment.
One of the main barriers to electrifying equipment is the
need for powerful grid connections to charge the machinery
Michael Cross, Head of Partnerships & rapidly. However, with the move towards more construction
Innovation at Willmott Dixon. hubs, grid connections can be considered at an earlier stage
in project planning. Construction hubs could therefore
effectively be used as charging hubs, where machinery can
be topped up in one place, ready for deployment.To find out more about the benefits
of electrification, get in touch.
Email: info@hyperdriveinnovation.com
Tel: +44 (0)191 640 4586
Visit our website: www.hyperdriveinnovation.com
Hyperdrive Innovation
Future Technology Centre, Barmston Court,
Nissan Way, Sunderland
SR5 3NY, United KingdomYou can also read
