**London**: The British construction sector experiences its ninth consecutive month of growth, led by a surge in commercial activities. However, rising costs and environmental pressures challenge sustainable progress as project managers seek innovative solutions to tackle inefficiencies and meet decarbonisation targets.
The British construction sector is witnessing continued growth, having expanded for its ninth consecutive month, as reported in November’s S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Manager Index. A significant contributor to this upturn is the robust rise in commercial construction activity, marking the strongest increase in two-and-a-half years. Predictions for the upcoming years suggest increased project work across various subsectors, including healthcare, office spaces, and retail, extending through 2026.
Despite this optimistic outlook, the construction industry is grappling with immediate challenges. Rising costs for building materials and labour are delaying project timelines and complicating future investments. The sector’s energy-intensive nature, particularly concerning the use of generators, remains a pressing concern. Inefficiencies can arise from the over- or under-specification of on-site power solutions, which can lead to excessive fuel consumption and an impact on project budgets, as highlighted in Aggreko’s recent report, “A Perfect Storm for European Construction?”. This study revealed that over a third of UK construction managers reported difficulties in appropriately sizing equipment for 2024.
Additionally, pressure to adopt greener practices complicates matters further, with environmental regulations such as low emission zones influencing equipment specifications. In light of this, there is an increasing demand for sustainable site solutions, necessitating that commercial construction project managers stay informed about advancements in technology, including Stage V generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, as project workloads rise, many decision-makers may find themselves stretched for time and resources to explore these innovations which could potentially reduce on-site emissions.
As a result, stakeholders are likely to turn to their suppliers for guidance on these complex issues. The flexibility of modern technologies, particularly when sourced on a hire basis, allows for scalable solutions tailored to specific site needs. When combined with informed specification advice, project managers may uncover opportunities for both efficiency gains and emissions reductions, particularly relevant in energy-intensive commercial construction projects.
The importance of swift access to these technologies has been underscored by findings from another Aggreko report, “Building in Resilience: Weatherproofing European Construction in a Changing Climate,” which stated that 70% of UK construction managers reported experiencing significant weather-related delays in the past year. Consequently, ensuring prompt delivery of efficient utility solutions is essential to navigate the challenges posed by increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
In addition to sustainable energy solutions, digitisation is rapidly emerging as a crucial strategy for minimising site carbon footprints. Despite its benefits, the construction supply chain has been slow to adopt data-driven practices. National Building Specification’s Biennial Sustainable Futures report indicates that while 70% of construction projects now include sustainability targets, a lack of comprehensive data collection could obstruct progress towards net zero ambitions.
The implementation of 24/7 remote monitoring systems represents a significant step forward. Such integrated systems not only enhance efficiency but also reduce emissions and fuel costs, offering project stakeholders increased control over energy supply. By remotely tracking the health of battery energy storage systems and other assets, potential performance issues can be identified proactively, averting costly unplanned downtimes.
Moreover, providing site stakeholders with easy access to equipment monitoring data via an online hub enables improved management of project logistics. This transparency is vital, particularly in the context of emissions reporting, as it simplifies the task of compiling sustainability reports required by regulatory bodies by offering detailed data on nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and hydrocarbons (HC).
In summary, while commercial projects are catalysing the ongoing recovery of the British construction sector, financial pressures persist. Keeping abreast of advancements in sustainable technologies and practices, including Stage V generators and BESS, is crucial for project managers. To fully harness the potential efficiency gains and emissions reductions that come with new equipment and energy mixes, the concurrent adoption of digitisation and remote monitoring technologies is imperative. This dual approach could allow the commercial construction sector to maintain its momentum while meeting decarbonisation targets.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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