A focus on sustainability is increasingly important across all sectors. No matter what industry you’re in, there is an urgent need to lower carbon emissions and minimise negative impacts on the environment to reach the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 goal.
The construction industry is no different. And with traditional building practices typically using a lot of resources and generating a large carbon footprint, it’s no wonder those in education, healthcare, and commercial settings are looking for an alternative way to expand their spaces and facilities.
That’s exactly what modular buildings can offer. But is modular construction genuinely more sustainable than traditional builds? Let’s explore how pre-fab units may be the ideal solution for those seeking site expansion while aligning with green building principles.
What are the environmental benefits of modular construction?
Modular construction brings a range of environmental benefits when compared to traditional building methods.
As the parts of a modular building are fabricated off-site and then delivered when you’re ready to build, the process requires fewer site visits and deliveries. This means lower vehicle emissions. Plus, off-site fabrication generally leads to lower energy consumption and water usage.
When you partner with Cotaplan for your modular buildings, you can also feel confident knowing we ensure streamlined supply chains and minimise water usage as much as possible.
Other environmental advantages of modular construction include:
Sustainable materials and energy efficiency
Traditional construction produces a lot of waste, with a large proportion going to landfill. With modular construction, there’s a real focus on using recycled and renewable materials, including recycled steel, wood, glass, and plastic.
These buildings are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. We can ensure your classroom, hospital ward, or office is fitted with double glazing, high-quality insulation, and advanced energy systems to help reduce operational carbon. For example, we can install LED lighting, smart energy controls, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Reusability
Once a modular unit has been constructed, it can easily be relocated or repurposed if your requirements change. This means no building will go to waste.
We can even supply refurbished modular buildings. These revitalised used buildings give existing structures a new lease of life, meaning less construction waste and a reduced demand for new raw materials. The result? A greener approach to construction.
As well as promoting circular construction principles, investing in a used or refurbished modular unit can keep costs down — ideal for sites and businesses on a budget.
Take a look at our outlet to learn more about our refurbished and used modular buildings for sale.
Regulatory compliance and green certifications
Within the construction industry, there are stringent environmental guidelines and regulations that buildings must meet. As well as being appreciated for their speed of construction and flexibility, modular buildings can also meet — and often exceed — these standards.
- UK Building Regulations Part L: This section of the UK Building Regulations relates to the conservation of fuel and power. It requires both domestic and commercial buildings to have high levels of energy efficiency.Pre-fabricated modular units are factory-controlled, meaning they have great insulation and are consistently airtight. As mentioned, they can also be fitted with energy-efficient systems, like HVAC systems and even solar panels, to maximise efficiency.
- BREEAM: The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a method for measuring a building’s sustainability across various categories, including materials, energy, water, and more.Modular buildings are perfectly positioned to score highly in BREEAM assessments (often reaching ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’ ratings).
As we’ve discussed above, they boast:
- An efficient use of materials through factory production and less landfill waste.
- Faster builds and fewer vehicle journeys, resulting in lower-impact construction.
- Green designs, which can include energy-efficient systems to help reduce carbon emissions when the building is in operation.
- A more circular lifecycle, with the potential for refurbishment and repurposing.
Our commitment to sustainability
At Cotaplan, we focus on constructing high-quality modular units that are not only fit for purpose but also contribute to a more sustainable way of building.
Our Carbon Reduction Plan outlines how we aim to be Net Zero 10 years ahead of the UK government’s goal. Our plan is to:
- Cut our emissions by half by 2030
- Reduce emissions by 75% by 2035
- Reach Net Zero by 2040
As well as constructing units, we also buy existing modular buildings so we can refurbish and repurpose them. This is a key way in which we show a commitment to sustainability.
Throughout our projects, green building practices are always at the forefront. You can see this focus on sustainability in a range of our completed works, including:
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- Liverpool John Lennon Airport: We built a double-storey modular office that combined recycled sub-frames with a new insulated cladding system. Learn more about the project.
- Smallwood Primary School in Tooting: Here, we built a Passivhaus-certified classroom that featured recycled building components to form the floor, steel structures, and beams. We also incorporated a ground-source heating system and a PAUL MVHR system (a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system), which refreshes the air in line with carbon dioxide levels in the building.
- East Surrey Hospital: We used a combination of new and recycled modular units to build a 21-bed ward. In addition to reducing waste and carbon emissions, this allowed us to construct the ward incredibly quickly, completing the project in just 12 weeks.
Sustainable construction with modular buildings from Cotaplan
As the whole of the UK shifts towards more sustainable building practices to stay compliant and help reach Net Zero by 2050, it’s essential to consider alternatives to traditional construction methods.
Modular buildings can offer a wealth of environmental benefits, leading to high-quality units that use less energy and resources to pre-fabricate.
If you’re looking to expand your site, why not consider a new or refurbished modular unit? Learn more about our modular solutions, and please feel free to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
