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The Changing Role of Sustainability in Tendering

Where sustainability previously revolved mainly around certifications or minimum standards, clients now set explicit and ambitious targets. Think of CO₂ reduction goals, circular building, and the use of zero-emission equipment on construction sites. At the same time, many clients are still exploring effective ways to integrate sustainability into their tender processes. This often leads to construction companies not only participating as potential contractors during preliminary market consultations but also advising clients on sustainability options.

Implications for the Tender Process

These new requirements significantly change the tendering process. Tender managers need to:

• Focus more on sustainability performance: Clearly documenting and providing evidence of sustainability measures is now essential.
• Collaborate with sustainability experts: Internal specialists are increasingly involved in writing bids to translate technical details into measurable sustainability scores.
• Think innovatively: Successful bids demonstrate forward-thinking and readiness to invest in innovative, sustainable solutions.
• Gain deeper insight into sustainability options: Tender managers must understand the range of possibilities around emission-free building and find an optimal balance. For instance, 100% emission-free construction might be ideal, but an 80% emission-free approach could offer a better balance between costs and benefits.

How Can You Prepare?

To succeed in a market where sustainability requirements are central, tender teams can take the following actions:

1. Ensure clear insights: Winning a tender involves more than offering the right solution at the right price. As a contractor, it’s essential to understand clearly the risks you might encounter. Make sure your tender team fully grasps risks related to grid congestion, charging locations, delayed connections, and fluctuating energy prices.
2. Use forecasting and simulation software: Tools like Build for Zero provide insight into the impact and costs of emission-free building. By simulating various scenarios in advance, you gain clarity on the feasibility of solutions and potential cost savings. This helps you make well-informed decisions and can provide your tender with a competitive advantage.
3. Evaluate based on practice: Embed data collection throughout all business activities to continually optimize your processes.

Conclusion

Sustainability requirements are transforming tender processes from purely financial evaluations into broader assessments of impact and innovation. Tender teams that proactively adapt to this trend significantly increase their chances of securing successful projects.

Do you want to future-proof your tender processes and effectively respond to sustainability demands? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation, or schedule a demo of Build for Zero to experience firsthand how you can elevate your tenders to the next level.

Understanding the effect of Grid Congestion on Construction Sites

Grid congestion occurs when energy demand exceeds the available network capacity at specific locations and times. As a result of this, new connections are often postponed or only available for lower transport capacities.

Construction projects, especially those shifting towards electric machinery, often see spikes in electricity consumption. This can happen when a tower crane has to lift a heavy load or when multiple electric vehicles are in charging sessions at the same time.

In the past, this peak in energy use would not be a huge issue. By requesting a high capacity grid connection, the available transport capacity would be enough to manage the peak. Nowadays, chances are that you cannot start your construction because of the long waiting times for high capacity connections. Instead, construction companies are forced to make due with lower capacity connections.

This introduces a risk. This lower capacity is most likely fine for the base load of the project but it could give some issues during peaks. This can result in operational disruptions, costly delays, or even fines from energy providers.

Practical Solutions to Address Grid Congestion

1. Advanced Energy Forecasting: Utilize predictive software tools that accurately simulate your construction site’s energy demand throughout each phase of your project. Forecasting tools can help you anticipate peak load periods, enabling more effective planning. For example, if you expect a peak at the end of the day because of the expected charging demand, you can change your charge planning or look for external charging locations.
2. Energy Storage Systems: Deploy battery storage solutions to balance energy consumption. Storing electricity during low-demand periods to use at peak times can significantly alleviate grid pressure. Batteries also provide backup power, enhancing resilience and reducing downtime risks.
3. Dynamic Load Management: Smart management of electric machinery can distribute energy use more evenly across the day. Prioritize high-energy activities outside peak grid times, utilizing energy management software to automate and optimize equipment usage schedules.
4. On-Site Renewable Generation: Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or temporary wind solutions, to produce your own electricity. This reduces dependency on the grid and provides greater flexibility, especially in grid-congested areas.
5. Collaboration with Network Operators: Establish early and proactive communication with grid operators. Clear dialogue helps align your project’s energy requirements with available network capacity, allowing for joint planning of temporary grid enhancements if needed.

Preparing for the Future

As electrification accelerates, proactive management of grid congestion will become essential. By embracing practical solutions like advanced forecasting, energy storage, and smart equipment scheduling, program managers can ensure projects run smoothly and sustainably, maintaining a competitive edge in the zero-emission construction landscape.

Even if you are not really facing congestion issues with project yet, if you are planning to move towards more electric equipment it’s beneficial to start with collecting data. This way, when you encounter a project with energy capacity restrictions, you have the insights to understand the impact.

Ready to future-proof your zero-emission projects against grid congestion? Explore how the Build for Zero Planner can streamline your approach today.

Why Data Matters More Than Ever

Making the transition to zero-emission construction can feel challenging, especially when facing additional hurdles like grid congestion or local environmental regulations. Data can help you manage the risks these challenges present, making the transition smoother and more predictable. But how exactly?

Plan with Confidence

Imagine this scenario: You’re at the tender or planning stage of a project. Your client has requested zero-emission equipment specifically because the site is close to a national park. Your job is to assess the impacts of zero-emission construction. You’ll need to decide which equipment to use and how to ensure everything runs seamlessly.

Without accurate data, you’re essentially guessing—and guessing can quickly become expensive. Reliable data allows you to confidently select equipment that matches your energy demands precisely, preventing costly surprises and ensuring smooth operations from day one.

Reduce Operational Risk

Construction projects often run on tight margins and even tighter schedules. Real-time and historical data act as your project’s GPS, steering you clear of potential delays and budget pitfalls. For instance, knowing exactly when peak electricity demand occurs allows you to schedule activities efficiently, avoiding high tariffs and unnecessary downtime

Guide Strategic Investment

Suppose your company anticipates that public sector clients, such as municipalities or regional governments, will increasingly require zero-emission construction practices. Strategically, your company decides it would be beneficial to be an early adopter and invests in electric equipment.

But what type of electric equipment would have the greatest impact? Do you have insights into usage patterns and emissions data for different equipment types? Data becomes your trusted guide, enabling smarter investment decisions. Even if you’re not an early adopter, beginning to gather data now positions you well for the inevitable transition ahead.

Practical Data that Drives Success

You now understand data’s importance, but what specific types of data should you prioritize? Here’s a quick guide:

Predictive Energy Consumption Data

Predicting energy needs might sound complex, but it’s crucial. Accurate forecasting lets you avoid stressful and costly last-minute electrical upgrades. For example, knowing in advance when your site will demand higher energy consumption allows for smarter, cost-effective planning.

So, what data do you need exactly? Start by collecting grid connection data for your projects, enriched with key details like project type, project area, and equipment used. Usually, these details reside in separate company systems, so always store your energy data linked by project ID. This approach simplifies pulling together comprehensive data from multiple sources for easy analysis.

Equipment Performance Data

Not all zero-emission equipment performs equally. Data on power usage, efficiency, charging patterns, and emissions helps you select equipment that perfectly aligns with your project’s energy requirements, significantly reducing the risk of operational disruptions.

Grid and Infrastructure Data

Your zero-emission project doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s closely tied to local energy infrastructure. Understanding the local grid’s capacity can save you from costly delays or unexpected expenses. For example, early identification of grid limitations can prompt proactive investment in battery storage or onsite renewable energy, keeping your project on schedule.

The Risk of Ignoring Data

Neglecting comprehensive data isn’t merely inconvenient—it can seriously jeopardize your project’s success:

• Unexpected cost overruns due to inaccurate energy projections.
• Regulatory fines and project delays from compliance oversights.
• Inefficient resource allocation, undermining your sustainability objectives.

Ready to Lead the Way?

A data-driven approach isn’t just about managing risks; it’s about seizing opportunities to build smarter, faster, and greener. Our team is ready to partner with you, providing practical, actionable data insights to bring your zero-emission construction vision to life.

Don’t wait—contact us today, and let’s build a sustainable future together!