With people becoming more aware of environmental issues, companies are looking for more ways to make their processes environmentally friendly. One industry looking for green solutions is the construction sector.

Heavy construction can have many adverse effects on the environment. Construction equipment is often gas-powered — burning fossil fuels exposes the atmosphere to harmful greenhouse gasses. In addition, construction equipment often produces a lot of loud noises. This can cause noise pollution — something that can harm the ears of both humans and animals. Abnormal noises can block sounds animals use to navigate and communicate with each other, which might be necessary for their survival.

Many construction companies are using battery-powered equipment to reduce environmental and noise pollution. In addition, battery-powered equipment and vehicles can make construction more efficient.

What Is Battery-Powered Construction?

Battery-powered construction refers to vehicles and equipment powered by batteries instead of gasoline. These are some of the many new technologies geared toward reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. In fact, there are multiple companies dedicated to green construction.

Once, battery-powered equipment was considered impractical or only suitable for low-energy tasks. However, battery technology has advanced quickly to become stronger and even customizable. Because of this, battery-powered construction equipment has become more popular.

For example, John Deere plans to roll out a new line of heavy-duty equipment and vehicles powered by batteries and electricity by 2023. This equipment focuses on helping the farming and construction industries by providing fully electric solutions.

Why Is Construction Shifting to Battery Power?

Battery-powered construction equipment has numerous advantages over its diesel counterparts. Aside from generally reducing the number of harmful emissions by the construction industry, electric equipment, and vehicles are also usually quieter. This can reduce the amount of noise pollution emitted by construction.

Construction vehicles in particular have many options, ranging from fully electric to hybrid configurations. These allow construction companies to be more flexible while still helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Using battery-powered construction equipment can also reduce the vibrations produced during operation. Operators who experience harsh vibrations for long periods have a greater chance of developing arthritis and other joint-related issues. Electric construction equipment is easier to handle and is much safer for operators, allowing them to be more productive.

Even something as simple as using fewer cords and wires can contribute to a construction team's efficiency while reducing the risk of accidents. Using battery-powered construction equipment with other green construction practices will significantly reduce the project's carbon footprint while still getting the work done.

Challenges of Battery-Powered Construction

While battery power seems ready to take the future of construction by storm, there are still several challenges to face before it becomes mainstream. One of the most important is that there has yet to be a robust infrastructure for electric power generation in the U.S.

While electric power is plenty available, electric chargers are still scarce across the country. This makes it challenging to maintain an entire fleet of electric construction vehicles. However, the Biden administration is looking to change that by 2030. The administration is making $2.5 billion available for electric power initiatives such as building public charging stations.

Another challenge the construction industry faces is retraining workers to use electric equipment. While battery-powered construction vehicles operate more or less the same as their diesel equivalents, there are some key differences, such as maintenance. Battery care is something diesel equipment users will require training on.

Battery-Powered Construction Is the Future

Although challenges remain, battery-powered construction will become more used as electric technology improves. Switching to electric technology makes the construction process safer, more efficient and better for the environment.

Author: Jane Marsh

Cover image by Max Rahubovskiy on Pexels