A new industry report says construction-jobsite emissions could be cut by as much as 75% through practical, near-term measures without affecting cost, schedules or performance.

Released by PCL Construction in collaboration with other contractors and the Transition Accelerator, Growing and Greening Canadian Construction draws on operational data from 617 projects across Canada and the U.S., making it one of the most comprehensive analyses of jobsite emissions to date.

“The report uses real-world project data to identify where emissions are generated on jobsites and where the most effective reduction opportunities exist,” says Anton Pojasok, head of sustainability for PCL. “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 outlines five key actions to reduce emissions, with the largest gains tied to replacing diesel with cleaner energy sources. These include electrifying light-duty vehicles and smaller equipment, improving and electrifying temporary heating systems, connecting projects to grid power instead of diesel generators, adopting renewable diesel for heavy equipment and introducing hybrid or electric excavation machinery.

Individually, the measures can deliver emissions reductions ranging from 10% to 25%, with renewable diesel alone offering lifecycle reductions of 40% to 80% per litre, said PCL. Electrification of light-duty equipment and grid power connections can each cut total jobsite emissions by up to 15%, while heating improvements and hybrid excavation equipment can each contribute reductions of up to 10%.

The report stresses that achieving meaningful decarbonization will require co-ordinated action across the construction value chain, including contractors, equipment manufacturers, utilities, fuel suppliers and governments.

“Decarbonization should not only be viewed as a compliance exercise, but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen competitiveness, improve project performance and support long-term industry growth,” said Pojasok.

Edmonton-based PCL, an employee-owned company with annual construction volume of $13.8 billion, operates across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Australia.

Pictured: Global-award winning Limberlost Place in Toronto, which was built by PCL, construction.

Photo: CNW Group/PCL Construction