“In deploying [this new equipment],


we were mindful of potential challenges faced by our onsite operators. However, our collaboration with Volvo, the Wirtgen Group and Sun Belt Rentals provided the tools and support structure that allowed us to troubleshoot throughout the duration of our usage immediately, and onsite,” Ford said. “Nonetheless, during both trials, we found that the operators preferred using the newly available electric equipment because of the reduced vibration during long shifts, and they produced significantly less noise for the job sites and the sur- rounding communities.” Ford noted that the pilots serve as


an important steppingstone in the evo- lution of lower-emission construction practices, while aligning with Skanska’s commitment to a more sustainable fu- ture. “Trough participation in pilots like these, we have the opportunity to learn how we can further advance sustainable innovation and the electrification of equipment on construction jobsites,” he said. “Tere is a growing awareness that the


construction industry has a large impact on global carbon emissions, as we are looking at electrification as a leading piece of the puzzle to address our climate needs,” he added. “Our participation in piloted usage of (this equipment) is a good first step in showing the construction industry that electrification is possible and is becoming an increasingly feasible option on job sites. “We tested this equipment on a


megaproject with direct access to elec- tricity, a secure place to store the equip- ment and other ideal conditions that we understand do not translate to all types of construction projects. However, I am confident that this work will move the needle towards more sustainable prac- tices and innovation industry-wide.”


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JULY/AUGUST 2024


Electric equipment is being piloted on The Gateway project, Berkeley.


Turner Marks Another Milestone in Decarbonization Efforts on Berkeley Job


Emi LaFountain


In partnership with Sunbelt Rentals, Turner Construction Company successfully deployed the all-new Bobcat T7X Electric Track Skid Steer


on Te Gateway project at the University of California, Berkeley, marking yet another milestone in its commitment to decarbon- ize construction operations. Te deployment marks a second ‘first’


for Turner’s use of all-electric equipment in California, with the other being their pilot of the Volvo EC230 electric exca- vator earlier this year. “As we focus on reducing our carbon


footprint, the transition to clean equip- ment seems necessary. In the spirit of innovation, we want to hopefully dispel


misgivings about transitioning to electri- cal equipment,” said Manu Garg, project executive on Te Gateway. With Te Gateway being the future home of UC Berkeley’s computer and data science departments meant to support researchers exploring techno- logical solutions for an equitable and decarbonized future, the use of the T7X is a natural fit. Te site is adjacent to several active classrooms and labs, and utilizing the all-electric track loader allowed construction operations to be carried out with minimal disruption to UC Berkeley students and faculty. Te 62-kilowatt lithium-ion battery, which allows for four hours of continuous use or an intermittent full day of use, also allows for indoor work, while also miti- gating the risks associated with fluid leaks and minimizing operational vibrations. “We are grateful to be able to provide our customers with new technology that will aide in achieving their sustainability


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