Modern Building Services

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES APRIL 2023 9 FEATURE NET ZERO 3. Understanding processes as a whole A number of sustainability leaders in the building world are encouraging us all to think more holistically about a building project. It’s not just about understanding the design process to create a net- zero-in-operation building, but also about ensuring there’s visibility to monitor sustainable practices with subcontractors and supply chains. Reports show just over half of construction companies have complete visibility into their own processes, and only 16% have significant visibility over their suppliers’ processes. Therefore, although individual companies might be making the change, if we want to be truly sustainable, it’s important to partner with suppliers who share the same sustainable values across the whole supply chain. The reality of Net Zero The construction sector is widely aware of its need to make a difference, but with such weak outcomes arising from COP-27, you can see some are backing off taking significant steps towards climate- changing results. Different companies and individuals have their own reasons for this; however, construction is facing an age-old problem, which has intensified in the last year: Cost-efficiency. Last year, we saw a 27% overall increase in the cost of construction materials. That price hike led to both price increases for developments and companies cutting costs to keep their customers happy. That cost-cutting raised the odds against the industry achieving its Net Zero targets as more sustainable materials were priced out of the market. A modern solution In the future, making construction projects more sustainable and efficient, while staying within realistic budgets, will bring modular construction more and more into the frame. Offsite construction takes place in a controlled factory setting.Thatmakes it more precise as a building goes from design to reality. Precision is exactly what you need when making a building more energy-efficient. Modular construction means meticulous seams and connections which retain precious warmth and keeps your utility bills low. Building a building in a factory is the more sustainable alternative to traditional, in-situ or ‘bricks and mortar’ construction, not only in operation, but also during the build period. Modular building inherently has less embodied carbon in manufacture and also reduces waste. At Premier Modular, zero waste goes to landfill fromour factories. Add to this ‘green’ advantage, the planned nature of modular construction means your project is more likely to come in on budget and on time (up to 50% faster). Making a difference Everyone, at every stage in the building process has a duty to make a difference. Following the outcome of COP27, the climate emergency and the current state of the industry, it’s more important than ever to act now and make real change. That’s why, as a business, we’re committing to Net Zero by 2035, so we can play a crucial part in making a better tomorrow for generations to come. All sources included in the above text were accurate as last accessed on: 05 December 2022