Site activity

Keeping track of energy on site

Onsite, we are introducing remote energy monitoring to our large projects which will go onsite and allow us to track energy data day-by-day and, indeed, overnight. For example, we will know if someone has left the lights on overnight. Energy use will be tracked and measured alongside other environmental key performance indicators (eKPIs).

As of 2010, our average project emissions (kg per £100,000) increased against the 2009 score of 1142.9; the second consecutive annual increase for this eKPI. Diesel use was again the main contributor to on-site emissions and it highlights the challenge the company faces in better understanding and controlling these emissions. Willmott Dixon measures all diesel use on site, including that of our supply chain. This is a far more comprehensive approach to measuring our carbon footprint than many of our peers.

Site carbon emissions

Along with energy use, our carbon footprint increased from 22,000 tonnes in 2009 to 24,000 in 2010 due to improved measurement and increased energy intensity of plant materials. In particular, the nature of the type of construction we are doing changed. For example, at the moment, we are building more high-rise housing and carrying out more brownfield regeneration. All this uses more concrete and more tower cranes. We will have to work particularly hard to control our carbon emissions due to the large, expected disproportionate growth of our most fossil fuel-intense division, Support Services. We are doing what we can given the nature of our company and how it is changing. We also remain open about the challenges we are facing and how we are trying to solve them.

Eco-cabins

Five years ago, we were working in Portakabin-type temporary offices which were leaky and ill-treated. So we developed a new range of insulated Eco-cabins for our site staff with supplier, Elliott. Today, our temporary premises are EPC A-rated and include many energy-saving technologies such as PIR lighting controls, time clock controlled heating, T5 lighting and double-glazed windows.

Giving our site staff really high spec offices has brought about an enormous attitude change. People treat the premises differently. For example, they are less likely to leave doors open. Again we were ahead of the game and more energy efficient cabins form part of the new building regulations. Elliott is also selling this design to some of their other customers, proving again how our influence spreads beyond our immediate business.