Mitigating Transportation and Fuel Costs for Built Environment Professionals through Technology and
Mitigating Transportation and Fuel Costs for Built Environment Professionals through Technology and Shifts
The rising cost of living, particularly the cost of transportation and the surging price of petrol, has placed significant pressure on professionals across industries. For built environment professionals like architects and engineers, these costs are especially felt due to the nature of their work, which often requires commuting to both office settings and construction sites. For vehicle owners, the cost of fuel has become almost prohibitive, while for those without personal vehicles, transport fares have skyrocketed, adding to the daily financial burden.
Architects, construction experts, and project managers in the built environment must grapple with balancing the need to be physically present on-site with the increasing strain of transportation costs. While some office-based professionals can opt for flexible working options like remote work, those on the ground, especially in construction monitoring, face more challenges. However, technology and innovative scheduling could provide a solution that addresses these issues without compromising the quality of work on-site.
Remote Work for Design and Documentation Professionals
One advantage architects and engineers have is the ability to perform design and construction documentation tasks remotely. With advancements in architectural software like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and cloud-based collaborative platforms, much of the work can be done from home. Remote work has become a viable alternative for professionals who need to reduce the frequency of their commute. In this context, professionals may opt to take two to three days a week to work from home, which has already been implemented in various industries to counterbalance the high cost of commuting. This move saves time, reduces fuel consumption, and alleviates the pressure on public transport systems.
However, this convenience doesn’t easily extend to field teams responsible for daily monitoring of construction sites. Their job demands regular physical presence, which leads to the next challenge: how to ensure effective site management without imposing frequent travel requirements on the field staff.
Technology as a Solution for Field Team Monitoring
The growing concern is how to minimize travel frequency while maintaining close monitoring of the construction process. This is where technology comes into play, particularly through the use of smart cameras, remote monitoring systems, and intuitive devices.
Recent advancements in technology allow supervisors to keep a close eye on construction sites without being physically present. High-resolution cameras can be installed at strategic points on the site, offering real-time video feeds that can be accessed remotely. These cameras can be integrated with software that offers panoramic views and zoom-in capabilities, ensuring that supervisors can inspect various stages of construction with precision. Drones can also play a significant role in remote monitoring, providing aerial views and close-up inspections of critical structures. With remote-control capabilities, a supervisor could assess the site's progress, inspect materials, and detect potential issues before they escalate.
Beyond passive monitoring, interactive tools can be used to facilitate communication between remote supervisors and on-site technicians. Software like Procore or PlanGrid can integrate camera feeds with project management tools, allowing for real-time collaboration. Supervisors can send instructions, issue tasks, and provide feedback without needing to visit the site in person. These digital platforms also allow for photo and video documentation that can be reviewed and annotated by the remote team.
For certain tasks, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are increasingly being adopted in the construction industry. By wearing a VR headset, a supervisor could walk through a 3D model of the site, compare it to live feeds, and even interact with on-site personnel through voice communication. AR devices could allow technicians on the ground to receive real-time instructions that overlay project plans onto the physical environment, enhancing accuracy and reducing the need for back-and-forth visits.
Shift-Based Work for On-Site Teams
Another option to mitigate transportation and fuel costs is to establish a shift-based system for on-site teams. Rather than having all field personnel on-site every day, the team could be split into smaller groups working on alternating shifts. By reducing the frequency of their commutes, the field team would experience less strain from rising transportation costs, while the continuity of on-site work would be maintained.
For example, one set of technicians could handle groundwork and foundational tasks for three days, while another group focuses on finishing tasks in the latter part of the week. Critical inspections, which require a higher level of supervision, can be scheduled for the days when supervisors are present. This not only minimizes the number of site visits required but also spreads the workload evenly among the team.
Supervisors can also rotate their in-person visits, reducing the need to be on-site every day. Using the aforementioned technological tools, they can monitor the progress of the on-site technicians in their absence and only visit the site when crucial milestones are reached or when their physical presence is absolutely necessary.
Potential Challenges and Reader Suggestions
While these solutions provide a way forward, they are not without their challenges. For instance, the cost of installing high-quality monitoring systems and training the workforce to use new technology can be prohibitive for smaller firms. Additionally, reliance on technology brings potential risks, such as system malfunctions, internet connectivity issues, or inadequate technical support on-site.
To address these growing concerns, particularly in the built environment sector, we invite readers to suggest further ways technology can help mitigate transportation and fuel-related challenges. How else can built environment professionals balance the need for physical presence on-site with the rising costs of transportation? Can we explore further options such as carpools, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations near sites, or even digital twins for real-time project monitoring?
The burden of high transport and fuel costs is a significant concern, but through innovative approaches and collective action, we can find solutions that are both sustainable and effective.
References
Procore. (2024). Procore Construction Management Software. Retrieved from https://www.procore.com
PlanGrid. (2024). PlanGrid Construction Productivity Software. Retrieved from https://www.plangrid.com
McKinsey & Company. (2023). "The next normal in construction: How disruption is reshaping the world’s largest ecosystem." Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com
RICS. (2023). "The Future of Remote Working in Construction."
