FEATURE
( GHG ) emissions on site , along with other harmful pollutants . We could still be a long way off affordably using hydrogen or electricity to fuel heavy equipment like graders , rollers and pavers , so we need an immediate alternative solution . The industry is making efforts through technologies like green concrete and offsite construction to reduce the carbon-intensive nature of infrastructure projects . However , questions remain about progress with site machinery and whether technology is being fully utilised to mitigate these emissions .
Data ’ s role in cutting emissions
Data is increasingly becoming a critical tool for smarter work in construction . By closely monitoring equipment metrics such as utilisation , idling time , fuel consumption , location and operating hours , teams can leverage insights to identify patterns in operational inefficiencies . Telematics , combined with Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and Machine Learning , offers powerful realtime insights , enabling proactive identification of challenges and enhancing operational efficiency .
Yet , accessing and interpreting live data across entire fleets can be expensive , timeconsuming and ultimately challenging . While the construction industry produces vast amounts of valuable machine data daily , around 96 % of this digital gold dust goes unused . What ’ s more , 90 % of the data is unstructured , making it difficult to manage and share . In the context of CO 2 emissions specifically , the lack of standardised CO 2 benchmarking and data practices results in fragmented datasets and missed opportunities to
leverage this data , impeding efforts to hit looming industry net zero goals .
A standardised data approach
By establishing a benchmarking system and setting a universal baseline , the infrastructure construction sector can pinpoint and address vehicle inefficiencies , like idling hotspots , offering decreased emissions , reduced project delays and lower operational costs .
Establishing collaborative and robust data standards is imperative for informed decisionmaking and reducing the carbon footprint . These standards serve as a foundation for consistent and accurate data collection , crucial for assessing and managing the carbon impact of construction activities . As the construction industry becomes more digital , there ’ s a burgeoning need to share structured data . These standards are crucial for ensuring that different parties involved in a construction project use the same data formats and protocols , enhancing collaboration and reducing the risk of errors .
Harnessing data with tech
The rise of the Internet of Things , telematics and AI is making it more feasible and cost-effective to manage data in construction . Telematics and data solutions are the lifeblood of automated tracking tools that monitor operational efficiency . While telematics is not a new technology , the challenge of effective aggregation and analysis of data remains a hurdle for fully leveraging site data thanks to disparate platforms .
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