Do modular buildings help improve sustainability?

Sustainability has become a primary concern for the construction industry, specifically the amount of waste generated in terms of materials and resources. In the UK alone, this sector currently produces 100 million tonnes of waste every year, five million of which ends up in a landfill.

As more businesses prioritise eco-friendly elements in construction projects, modular buildings have risen as an environmentally friendly building solution that is effective in combating waste and minimising material utilisation.

Modular construction is a process in which buildings are constructed off-site in controlled conditions but using the same standards and materials as conventional built facilities – often in half the time and using less energy. This has led to them being used frequently across different project sites over traditional construction methods.

Reduction in Energy Use 

Construction energy used to produce materials can be reduced to contribute towards a lower carbon footprint. This is why modular buildings for hire are becoming increasingly popular among businesses. During the fabrication phase, factories can better control energy usage and the control setting means design and manufacturing processes are optimised for quality assurance.

Modular projects require fewer workers on site which will reduce onsite energy usage. Also, the robust structure and reusable nature of modular buildings means they can be continually used for multiple projects and have a longer life cycle.

Reduction of Material Waste 

The continued encouragement of the use of modular buildings can be thanked largely to their potential to dramatically reduce material waste. It could cut net waste in half compared to conventional construction methods.

Modular buildings are manufactured in factory settings, meaning there is complete control over optimising production and material usage. Any leftover materials can be recycled for use in future projects, reducing the amount ending up on landfills. Materials are also less exposed to the elements, which can destroy a percentage of all materials used on construction sites.

Health and Safety 

Working in construction poses many risks and the sector reported 45 fatal injuries during 2022/23. Compared to traditional methods, modular construction provides safer working conditions for any visitors and staff on a site.

Rather than working outside, workers are in a controlled environment which allows safety requirements to be easily met and enforced. This not only reduces the risk of slips, trips and falls, but there is a reduction in onsite activity as modular buildings are often delivered with pre-fitted electrics, plumbing and heating.

Less Disruption 

Modular buildings generally leave a smaller construction footprint than traditional projects as they require less space for workers, truck traffic and material storage. The onsite building only lasts for a short time too, so the neighbouring community has less disruption in the form of air and noise pollution.