New report outlines how construction can cut jobsite emissions by 75%

A new industry report outlines five practical steps that, when implemented together, could reduce construction jobsite emissions by up to 75 per cent without compromising cost, schedule or performance. 

Growing and Greening Canadian Construction, was developed through a collaboration among nine general contractors – Aecon, Bird, Chandos, EllisDon, Graham, Ledcor, Multiplex, PCL, and Pomerleau, in partnership with the Transition Accelerator. The companies noted that the findings are grounded in real operational data from 617 construction projects across Canada.

“The report uses real-world project data to identify where emissions are generated on jobsites and where the most effective reduction opportunities exist,” said Anton Pojasok, head of sustainability for PCL Construction. “Because the data is aligned to how construction projects are actually delivered, versus relying on theoretical models, these are steps construction teams can implement right away.”  

The report found that the biggest opportunities come from using cleaner power and fuels on jobsites, especially where diesel is currently the default. 

The report identified five actions: 

• Electrifying light-duty vehicles and small equipment: Light-duty vehicles scored highest across all assessment dimensions, with mature electric technology, strong economics and minimal operational changes required. This can deliver up to 15% reduction of total jobsite emissions, largely by eliminating gasoline use and displacing some diesel.
• Improving and electrifying temporary heating: Heating emerged as a major emission source, particularly in cold climates and remote locations. Optimizing heating comes with the potential to cut up to 10% of total emissions while improving worker comfort and reducing fuel costs. 
• Connecting projects to grid power instead of relying on diesel generators where possible: This can reduce jobsite emissions by up to 15% while also lowering noise, fuel use and operating costs, especially on remote or long-duration projects.
• Using renewable diesel for heavy equipment where electrification is not yet practical: Renewable diesel provides immediate 40–80% lifecycle emissions reductions per liter and reduces total project emissions up to 25% as a near-term bridge solution.
• Introducing hybrid and electric excavation equipment: This can reduce emissions up to 10% while helping contractors build experience with next-generation equipment as the technology continues to mature.

Featured image: (Transition Accelerator)