On site
The term ‘on site’ (or on-site) typically refers to work which is carried out on the construction site itself. This is as opposed to ‘off-site’ which is generally associated with prefabrication or pre-assembly techniques. For more information see: Offsite construction.
Generally, on-site construction techniques tend to be more labour and time intensive, and they may have lower quality due to the complexities of working in an uncontrolled environment, subject to weather and other changeable conditions, space and access restrictions and so on. However, they can be more flexible in response to changes that may arise on site.
See also: In situ.
Workers on a project may be described as ‘on site’ or ‘off site’.
On site may also refer to the storage of materials. This is as opposed to off site materials, where the client has paid for materials, but they have yet to be delivered to site. The client may do this to ‘reserve’ the items, protecting the programme, but this does put the client at risk, for example if the contractor becomes insolvent and the items are then not delivered, even though payment has been made. For more information see: Off site materials.
On site may also refer to the generation of heat and / or power. Localised, point generation of heat and power provides an independent, responsive, sustainable method of supply. On-site generation can include renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, anaerobic digestion, wind turbines, water turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) and so on. For more information see: On site generation of heat and power.
The feed-in tariff scheme allows consumers who generate their own electricity from a renewable or low-carbon source to qualify for a payment for each unit of electricity generated. Consumers can also qualify for an ‘export tariff’ by selling surplus electricity back to their supplier. For more information see: Feed-in tariff.
The renewable heat incentive (RHI) is similar to the feed in tariff scheme, but is designed to incentivise heat generation. For more information see: Renewable heat incentive.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.