We have developed a methodology for the implementation of principles of energy efficient design in construction villages. The methodology has been created in order to assist construction companies in selection of appropriate measures for reducing energy costs, carbon emissions, improving environmental comfort as well as assessing energy efficient supply options including renewable energy technologies.

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The methodology is divided into two distinct parts where the first step is to focus on reducing the energy demand through energy efficient measures and the second step is to improve the supply efficiency and the evaluation of suitable renewable energy technologies for construction villages.

In the first step, implementation of energy efficiency measures and managing the demand will directly reduce the energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions, with an additional benefit of providing a good working environment for construction villages.

This methodology is based on three principal ways in which a reduction in energy demand can be achieved. They are:

1. Use of improved insulation to reduce heat losses through the building’s fabric.

2. Use of energy efficient heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

3. Use of other measures that will enhance the energy savings e.g. energy efficient power devices

Insulation, lighting, heating and ventilation have been studied in detail and the identified strategies have been evaluated regarding their energy efficiency, reduction in environmental impact, maintenance or improvement of thermal comfort as well as investment costs and payback periods.

The outcomes of our demand study can be accessed in the project section of our web site.

In the second step of our methodology, attention is paid to supply side improvement which includes efficiency improvements of diesel generators and evaluation of other supply options. For the use of our methodology supply side improvement is defined as the planning and implementation of energy resources with high energy efficiency and low environmental impact. This includes comparative evaluations of various supply options for construction villages in terms of its economics and practicality.

This methodology consideres the five principal ways in which improvement in energy supply could be achieved. Comparative evaluations of these options were conducted. These are:

1. Connection to the national grid

2. Improvement of generator efficiency

3. Use of combined heat and power system

4. Use of heat pumps

5. Use of renewable technologies

The outcomes of our supply study can be accessed in the project section of our web site.

Our methodology is described in the following diagram:

Methodology diagram

The outcomes of both demand and supply study can then be applied to an existing construction site. This has been done in this project by conducting a case study on Laing O´Rourke´s Xscape site.

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With the help of this methodology, construction companies can identify the areas of inefficiency and implement suitable energy efficiency measures to reduce their energy demand. In addition, best possible energy supply options could be identified for different sites and project duration. This will translate to reduction of their energy bills as well as the environmental impact of construction sites. Another important benefit will be the improvement of the working environment and comfort level in construction villages.

It shall be mentioned that it is not effective to consider the use of renewable energy systems before reducing the energy demand of the construction village sufficiently. Therefore the methodology should be used in its given order.

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