Advancing net zero carbon construction: A techno-economic and environmental analysis of onsite microgrids and prosumer energy adoption

Traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and achieve Net Zero Carbon Construction (NZCC). This study examines the potential for integrating grid-connected microgrids into construction projects, leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, combined with energy storage systems, as a pathway to transform construction sites into energy prosumers – entities that produce and consume green energy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to comprehensively analyse the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of commonly used microgrid configurations across sectors. The findings demonstrate that microgrids can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 % compared to traditional grid-based systems, showcasing their superior environmental performance. The hybrid Grid-Connected Photovoltaic-Wind Turbine (G-PV-WT) configuration achieves up to 91 % emission savings, offering 50 % lower costs and payback periods compared to other alternatives. The study recommends site-specific configurations with G-PV-WT systems for construction sites with abundant wind and solar resources. However, it emphasises the need for a multi-criteria decision-making approach that balances technical, economic, environmental, and policy factors to select optimal microgrid solutions for construction sites. A prosumer energy adoption framework is proposed, positioning construction sites as active producers and consumers of green energy, supporting NZCC goals, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable construction practices.