Construction industry urged to adopt top 10 'quick wins' to improve energy efficiency of healthcare estates
REDUCING water usage, standardising design, using recycled products and segregating waste are among a list of 10 ‘quick wins’ aimed at helping the construction industry to save energy and streamline production.
Produced by energy consultants at SUSTAIN Lincolnshire, the suggestions highlight areas where improvements could be possible with relatively little effort and with quick payback times.
The top 10 considerations are as follows:
1. SEGREGATE WASTE: This is important to maximise recycling and reduce costs associated with waste disposal. You can make it easy for site staff to segregate their waste by grouping the different skips together so that waste isn’t thrown in the nearest one. Label skips and reinforce the message through induction training and toolbox talks
2. REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION: Factor in fuel consumption when hiring and purchasing plant. Even a small reduction in fuel consumption can lead to a massive saving over the life of a piece of plant or project. Plant manufacturers have recognised this and are investing heavily in reducing fuel consumption
3. SWITCH IT OFF: Switch off plant when not in use. As well as saving fuel, money and time associated with refuelling, it also reduces noise and therefore safety and nuisance issues. Industry and government have teamed up to make reducing energy consumption a priority
4. REDUCE WATER USE: Build balancing ponds and drainage lagoons and block the outflow collecting site surface water for re-use during construction
5. STORE MATERIALS CAREFULLY: Consider how materials will be stored within the compound. Fragile materials such as plasterboard should be located in areas where the risk of accidental damage from impact is lowest
6. STANDARDISE DESIGN: Try to influence design so standard-sized components can fit without need for cutting; ensuring wall sizes accommodate standard block and plasterboard sizes
7. USE RECYCLED PRODUCTS: Recycled aggregates can be excellent for lower-quality applications ie sub-base, pipe bedding and capping. Also consider the use of secondary aggregates – waste materials generated by other industries and processes, for example colliery spoil
9. USE PREFABRICATED MATERIALS: This avoids the need to manufacture components on site, reducing waste associated with offcuts, reducing the need for wet trades on site, and reducing the use of hazardous materials. Prefab isn’t just for modular buildings; small products such as headwalls can also be prefabricated
10. USE NON-HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS: Their disposal carries a premium in terms of waste management and reducing use reduces the risk of operative exposure and pollution
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