7.7 Energy use – Above Green

Aim

To reduce energy demands and increase energy efficiency during design, delivery, and operation and minimise carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with energy consumption.

7.7.1 Energy and carbon emissions reduction for operation

(45 points in Strategy Stage)

Scope

This can only be scoped out on projects that are not operable, such as land remediation works or flood defence banks.

Assessment Criteria

The design has considered options for reducing both the energy consumption and carbon emissions of the project during operation, including the option of designing-out the need for energy-consuming equipment and the energy requirements in maintenance.

Guidance

Consideration should be given to reducing the following over the expected lifetime of the asset:

Operational energy demand
Operational primary energy consumption
Operational carbon emissions

Metric

Resultant greenhouse gas emissions equivalent carbon emissions for the operation of the works can be reported using equivalent carbon emissions per year, (tCO2e/yr). This could be calculated and reported through the following equation.

Screen_Shot_2021-06-29_at_9.36.06_AM.png

Evidence

If an LCA has been completed the evidence here will be a sub-set of that provided in 7.3.1. If an LCA has not been completed, then evidence could include project records and/or minutes of project team meetings. Evidence could alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.

7.7.2 Implementation of energy and carbon reductions for operation

(up to 70 points in Design Stage)

Scope

Scope out if evidence to 7.7.1 shows that there are no energy-in-use issues to be considered(not even maintenance)

Assessment Criteria

Appropriate measures have been incorporated in the design to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in use and a percentage of the recommended energy consumption reduction has been saved.

Outcome	Credits
10% or more	14
20% or more	28
40% or more	42
60% or more	56
80% or more	70

Guidance

If a full LCA has been completed in 7.3.1 appropriate in this context means those measures that contribute to the LCA and not necessarily the lowest energy solution.

In demonstrating implementation of measures, it must be demonstrated that the original baseline was design to current project norms and not including unnecessarily high-energy consuming equipment.

Evidence

Project records (i.e. minutes of project team meeting, technical reports, and/or drawings)

7.7.3 Opportunities for renewable/low-carbon/zero-carbon energy within the operational scheme

(25 points in Design Stage)

Scope

Scope out on projects where energy consumption in use is non-existent.

Assessment Criteria

The design has explored opportunities for the incorporation of energy from renewable and/or low- or zero-carbon sources and thus a reduction in carbon emissions.

Guidance

It is important to note that a project does not have to be an energy-consuming works for it to be worth investigating the inclusion of renewables, nor does the installed capacity have to just match the demand of the works in question, especially if other consumers are close by.

Selection or rejection of suitable options should be informed by any life cycle assessment for the project and recommendations from a suitable practitioner. This assessment should be informed by modelling, setting out objectives or targets for the life cycle stages with estimates of savings of total carbon equivalent emissions.

Evidence

Project records (i.e. minutes of project team meeting, technical reports, and/or drawings)

7.7.4 Incorporating renewable/ low-carbon/zero-carbon energy within the operational scheme

(up to 50 points in Design Stage)

Scope

Scope out where it was considered under 7.7.3 and found to be not possible or inappropriate.

Assessment Criteria

Energy from renewable and/or low- or zero-carbon sources has been incorporated in the scheme where appropriate. A percentage of the identified potential renewable energy generation identified in 7.7.3 has been implemented.

Outcome	Credits
10% or more	12
20% or more	24
40% or more	36
60% or more	48
80% or more	60

Guidance

As with other criteria in this section it should be stressed that the measurement has to be carried out from the baseline of current industry norms and not an artificial design.

As with 7.7.3, it is important to not that a project does not have to be an energy-consuming works for it to be worth investigating the inclusion of renewables, nor does the installed capacity have to just match the demand of the works in question, especially if other consumers are close by.

Metric

The implemented potential renewable energy generation may be calculated and reported using the following metrics:

Percentage of total energy consumed, using a formula such as:

Screen_Shot_2021-06-29_at_9.44.11_AM.png

It is possible for the renewable energy generated to be greater than the actual energy consumed during the operation of works. If this is the case, this is a positive outcome, only if the unused renewable generated energy is distributed and shared with consumers close by.

Evidence

Drawings, specifications or photographs. Alternatively, the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.

7.7.5 Energy consumption during construction - consideration during design (fixed)

(45 points in Design Stage)

Assessment Criteria

The Designer has identified opportunities to reduce the energy consumption of the project during construction.

Guidance

It is acknowledged that the responses to these criteria are going to be based on estimated savings and, in many cases, the savings may be anecdotal rather than quantified.

When designing and sitting the asset the project team could consider:

Optimising earth movements required during the construction of the asset and the surrounding sit
Reducing the amount of site clearance and demolition, e.g. by utilising existing structures where possible
Minimising the dimensions of the asset without impacting on capacity, e.g. reducing length for a linear asset or overall dimensions for a point asset
Sitting the asset to avoid destruction of existing carbon sinks, e.g. woodland
Minimising the extent of temporary works, e.g. length of fending or access routes required

When selecting construction methods the project team could consider the following:

Design Team

Using off site construction techniques
Standardising permanent materials and components
Using ground improvement techniques to avoid excavating soft foundations

When exploring off site construction techniques, the project team could:

Confirm if off-site construction is a viable alternative to traditional construction for aspects of the project through:
1. Identifying parts of the asset that could be manufactured off-site
2. Identifying activities that could become assembly processes rather than construction processes.
3. Liaising with all members of the project team including specialists affected by the identified off-site construction opportunities.
Compare the environmental impact of off-site construction with traditional on-site construction to determine if off-site construction would have a lower environmental impact than on-site construction. The comparison includes the following for either option:
1. potential waste generated
2. predicted volume of materials used
3. predicted impact of the transport of materials (i.e. the number of movements, distances travelled and where appropriate vehicle types and fuel consumption)
4. potential for reuse or recovery of the components at the end of the asset's life
Ensure the data gathering process and content of the study is not biased.

Note: Off-site could be considered 'not viable' where the risks of pursuing off-site construction outweigh the benefits.

Design and construction teams

Reducing the overall construction time
Minimising use or designing out high energy-consuming plant and machinery

Evidence

Design records or value engineering reports considering the construction methods, such as the size of components to enable efficient lifting and placing as well as the amount of on-site processing or handling of materials.

7.7.6 Energy consumption during construction - incorporate in design

(62 points in Design Stage)

Scope

Scoped out if there are genuinely no opportunities identified. Unlikely that where 7.7.5 has failed to score that 7.7.6 can be scoped out.

Assessment Criteria

The Designer has incorporated appropriate measures to reduce energy consumption during construction where feasible.

Guidance

It is acknowledged that the responses to these criteria are going to be based on estimated savings and, in many cases, the savings may be anecdotal rather than quantified.

When designing and sitting the asset the project team could consider:

Optimising earth movements required during the construction of the asset and the surrounding sit
Reducing the amount of site clearance and demolition, e.g. by utilising existing structures where possible
Minimising the dimensions of the asset without impacting on capacity, e.g. reducing length for a linear asset or overall dimensions for a point asset
Sitting the asset to avoid destruction of existing carbon sinks, e.g. woodland
Minimising the extent of temporary works, e.g. length of fending or access routes required

When selecting construction methods the project team could consider the following:

Design Team

Using off site construction techniques
Standardising permanent materials and components
Using ground improvement techniques to avoid excavating soft foundations

When exploring off site construction techniques, the project team could:

Confirm if off-site construction is a viable alternative to traditional construction for aspects of the project through:
1. Identifying parts of the asset that could be manufactured off-site
2. Identifying activities that could become assembly processes rather than construction processes.
3. Liaising with all members of the project team including specialists affected by the identified off-site construction opportunities.
Compare the environmental impact of off-site construction with traditional on-site construction to determine if off-site construction would have a lower environmental impact than on-site construction. The comparison includes the following for either option:
1. potential waste generated
2. predicted volume of materials used
3. predicted impact of the transport of materials (i.e. the number of movements, distances travelled and where appropriate vehicle types and fuel consumption)
4. potential for reuse or recovery of the components at the end of the asset's life
Ensure the data gathering process and content of the study is not biased.

Note: Off-site could be considered 'not viable' where the risks of pursuing off-site construction outweigh the benefits.

Design and construction teams

Reducing the overall construction time
Minimising use or designing out high energy-consuming plant and machinery

Evidence

Records showing consideration of energy issues in site planning and demonstration that energy use and/or carbon emissions are assessed and then monitored. Can include evidence of actions to reduce consumption and emissions as appropriate. Could include the setting of targets. Could also show use of equipment to proactively manage consumption and emissions, such as timers and passive infrared sensors. Alternatively, the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.

7.7.7 Energy consumption during construction - consideration by contractor (fixed)

(36 points in Construction Stage)

Assessment Criteria

The Contractor has considered measures to reduce the energy consumption and associated carbon emissions of the project during construction and these have been incorporated through an energy management plan or equivalent.

Guidance

The primary purpose of 7.7.5, 7.7.6., 7.7.7 and 7.7.8 is to reward the reduction of energy and carbon during construction. It should be noted that if the team have done a full LCA and scored it in 7.3.1 then these issues may well have already been considered, if so, then the same evidence can be used.

Monitoring energy use and carbon emission can highlight differences in utilisation and control of energy, thus providing data for comparison and enable energy savings in the future.

Metric

Energy consumption considerations on site could include the transportation, processing and assembly of materials to and from site; construction and assembly activities or processes; and general site operation and maintenance. Resultant carbon emissions during construction may be reported and calculated using:

Screen_Shot_2021-06-29_at_9.58.55_AM.png

Evidence

7.7.8 Energy consumption during construction - implementation by contractor (fixed)

(up 50 points in Construction Stage)

Assessment Criteria

The measures in the plan have been monitored throughout construction stage and the measures have been achieved.

Guidance

Monitoring energy use and carbon emission can highlight differences in utilisation and control of energy, thus providing data for comparison and enable energy savings in the future.

Metric

Screen_Shot_2021-06-29_at_9.58.55_AM.png

Evidence

7.7.9 Construction plan - selection and maintenance (fixed)

(21 points in Construction Stage)

Assessment Criteria

7.7.9.1 The selection and procurement/hiring of construction plant has been influenced by consideration of their energy efficiency, energy type or carbon emissions.

7.7.9.2 The construction plant and ancillary equipment has been maintained to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise carbon emissions.

Guidance

Considering the energy consumption of construction plant and machinery before purchase or hiring will ensure that the better environmental option can be chosen, and savings on fuel can be made in the long run. Regular maintenance of plant and machinery will ensure fuel efficiency and prolong the life of machines and power tools.

When selecting construction plant and machinery the project team could consider:

Selecting construction plant and machinery with a high efficiency (%)
Selecting efficient ancillary equipment
Select appropriately sized plant and machinery that will carry out the necessary work in the most energy efficient manner
Select plant, machinery and ancillary equipment with timers and other automatic controls which:
1. Lead to efficiency gains by avoiding additional work being carried out and reduction in the time taken to complete a task
2. Switch off the lighting during daylight or curfew hours in outdoor areas

The following questions can be asked to assist in the selection of the most efficient equipment that is appropriate for the task:

Is the size (output) of the equipment appropriate for the size of the task?
At what speed can the equipment perform the task?
Is the equipment available?
What are the transport costs and associated energy use (distance travelled and mode of use)?
How is the performance of the equipment affected by:
1. The soil characteristics on site?
2. The geometrical characteristics of the task?
Are there space and weight constraints on site?
What is the energy source used by the equipment?

When selecting temporary lighting the project team could investigate:

The need for lighting on site during construction, including:
1. Key locations on site where lighting is necessary
2. Whether it is feasible to limit construction to daylight hours for all or part of the programme
The applicability of curfews and automated controls to save higher levels of lighting for when needed
Opportunities for energy efficient and low carbon lighting solutions

Evidence

Contract specifications and other procurement documents, or plant documentation.

7.7.10 Renewable/ low-carbon/zero-carbon energy during construction

(15 points in Construction Stage)

Assessment Criteria

Energy from renewable and/or low- or zero-carbon resources has been considered during construction.

Guidance

As with 7.7.3, it is important to note that a project does not have to be an energy consuming works for it to be worth investigating the use of renewables in the construction stage. Measures should be appropriate to the scale and nature of the project.

If the implementation includes use of blended biofuels, then the calculated savings should be based on Annex 9 of the Defra Guidelines to Conversion Factors for Company reporting.

Evidence

Evidence showing the source of site energy is needed. This could be copies of agreements with electricity suppliers showing use of certified fully-renewably-sourced 'green' tariffs or photographs showing use of alternative energy sources. Evidence needs to show that the use of renewable, low- or zero-carbon energy is more than a token effort.

7.7.11 Renewable/ low-carbon/zero-carbon energy during construction - implementation

(up to 21 points in Construction Stage)

Scope

Can be scoped out only in the unlikely event that consideration of this issue identified no useful application of renewable and/or low- or zero-carbon resources.

Assessment Criteria

A percentage of the savings from the above considerations has been implemented.

Outcome	Credits
Up to 5%	7
5% or more	14
10% or more	21

Guidance

If the implementation includes use of blended biofuels, then the calculated savings should be based on Annex 9 of the Defra Guidelines to Conversion Factors for Company reporting.

Evidence