2026 Electric Construction Report

Modern Power. Lower Emissions.

The Electric Construction Report explores one of the most overlooked sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment: the construction process itself. While significant attention has been placed on reducing emissions from building operations and materials, the carbon footprint of construction activities on-site remains largely unaddressed. As British Columbia faces both ambitious climate targets and unprecedented demand for housing and infrastructure, understanding and reducing construction-phase emissions has become an urgent priority.

The report examines how diesel-powered equipment, generators, and temporary site infrastructure contribute significantly to emissions during the construction phase of projects. With diesel accounting for the majority of on-site energy use, electrification presents a major opportunity to reduce carbon intensity while improving site conditions. Electric construction equipment, battery energy storage systems, and grid-powered worksites offer the potential for quieter, cleaner, and more efficient operations, particularly in regions like British Columbia where electricity is largely generated from renewable sources.

At the same time, the transition to electric construction technologies introduces new logistical and operational considerations. The report examines the readiness of electric equipment, the capabilities and limits of battery technologies, and the infrastructure required to support electrified worksites, highlighting where solutions are already viable and where further innovation and policy support are needed. Drawing on industry insights and global examples, it outlines practical pathways for decarbonizing construction in British Columbia and explores how the province could position itself as a leader in low-carbon construction.