We’re a small team, but we’re passionate about making a big impact on the construction industry. That’s why we’re championing off-site manufacturing (OSM) as a key driver of sustainable building practices.
Why OSM? Here’s the lowdown:
- Less waste, more efficiency: Imagine construction sites with minimal error, offcuts and disposal and a fraction of the usual debris. Pre-built components facilitate recycling & circular economy processes, precise measurements within controlled factory environments. It’s a global trend for a reason!
- Material matters: In advanced economies we are gifted with huge capacity to produce, make and build with the resources we have on our own doorstep. Bulk buying and indoor production facilities lead to better use of materials, reducing waste and conserving precious resources. It’s a win-win for the environment and your project budget.
- Carbon: Studies suggest off-site construction can significantly lower embodied carbon – the CO2 trapped within building materials and processes. This is crucial for sustainable construction and innovation culture.
- Energy champions: Prefabricated components in modular construction often boast superior insulation and airtightness, leading to buildings that use less energy to stay comfortable. This translates to lower energy consumption and reduced emissions from construction equipment compared to traditional methods. This trend is gaining traction globally, as we look for ways to be climate friendly, focusing on energy-efficient building practices.
- Time solving issues: Off-site manufacturing streamlines construction, meaning faster project completion times and It’s a win for the environment and a win for keeping your project on schedule, on budget and of the highest quality possible.
The UK and OSM – A Promising Future
The UK construction industry is embracing OSM’s sustainability benefits. However, compared to some European and Asian countries, the UK’s OSM sector is still young. But there’s good news! The UK was actively promoting OSM/modular construction methods as part of its sustainability and productivity goals for the construction sector. This signifies a promising future, aligning with the global trend towards a more sustainable built environment.
Challenges to consider:
- Transportation: While factory made building reduces on-site emissions, critics argue that transporting large prefabricated components can generate significant carbon emissions. We find a balance between transportation efficiency and the embodied carbon benefits of OSM.
- Whole-life thinking: Questions remain about the end-of-life of off-site manufactured buildings. Some argue dismantling and recycling components could be more difficult. However, others point to superior quality control in OSM factories as a potential benefit for longevity. A holistic approach considering the entire building lifecycle is crucial and de-constructability helps with shifting culture toward long term quality.
- Standardisation vs. flexibility: Traditional construction methods may offer more flexibility for unforeseen site conditions. However, advancements in OSM design and fabrication are continuously improving. Data built on open standards for better communication, collaboration and growth of creative ideas leads to robust construction details that comply with standards.
- The local impact: Off-site manufacturing often centralises production, potentially impacting local construction jobs. We encourage investment in a local, modular, scalable, interconnected manufacturing that creates jobs for the local economy.
- Measuring up: There’s no single, agreed-upon metric to measure sustainability in construction. This makes comparing OSM and traditional methods complex. We encourage education and sharing to simplify the way we see both.
- Project-specific factors: Site location, design, and logistics heavily influence overall sustainability. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to OSM vs. traditional methods. We always consider individual sites and client needs.
- Data, data, data: Limited data on long-term environmental performance for both OSM and traditional construction hinders comprehensive comparisons. We exploit technological solutions to gain data insights & to help integrate resources to provide better quality buildings for the customer.
The Road Ahead
Transparency and data collection across the construction industry are crucial. Investing in research will close knowledge gaps and refine how we measure the sustainability benefits and trade-offs of different construction methodologies.
We learn & repeat successes that grow a new industrial ecosystem for Scotland & the UK by working together, we can build a more sustainable future for the construction industry.
Here’s to being small, independent, and awesome while making a big impact!
