The Strategic Forum for Construction and the Carbon Trust Initiative has proposed a 15 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from UK construction site processes by 2012. That sounds like a formidable challenge, but energy savings can start by redesigning the site cabins themselves.

We understand that, during the tendering process, customers are already assessed not only on their ability to do the job, but on their environmental credentials. As a result it is essential to have site accommodation that not only meets but far exceeds these targets, helping to reduce contractors’ carbon footprints as well as their running costs.

This in turn will help customers to achieve certification under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, gain an excellent BREEAM rating and alleviate environmental impact in line with the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

A range of features can be incorporated to ensure that site cabins are designed with energy efficiency in mind. An innovative split heat-pump system, for example, uses energy from the air outside and ensures that approximately 4.5kW of heating is produced for every 1kW of electricity consumed.

Heaters can be fitted with timers as well as mixed-mode climate controls, whilst high-frequency energy-efficient t5 lighting features daylight switching technology and passive infrared (PIR) motion detection sensors; all of which ensures that heating and lighting in site cabins are only used when they are needed.

Heat loss can be reduced thanks to upgraded and enhanced levels of underfloor, wall and roof insulation and CFC-free ozone friendly foam insulation can be used throughout. In comparison such insulation performs 42% better than the rock wool alternative and has a thermal conductivity of 0.025W/mK, delivering exceptional levels of insulation with an ozone depleting potential of zero.

Energy efficient site accommodation can still be double or triple stacked and can be manufactured with a special low maintenance, anti-vandal design, which means that time, money and energy are not spent on maintenance and repairs.

Tests, made under National Calculation Methodology (NCM) conditions, suggest that site accommodation built to these parameters can offer a massive 76 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and energy usage and could even result in an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate for some site cabins. This can result in a running cost saving of 87 per cent equating to £13.50 per week or £702 per annum when compared with a traditional site cabin. Calculations are based on running costs for heating/climate control and lighting only using an electricity tariff of 10p/kWh.

A commitment to developing and using sustainable products will help you save energy and reduce carbon emissions. If every aspect of site cabin design is looked at to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions, the resulting building will offer new levels of energy efficiency not previously seen in site buildings.