Modern Construction is Helping To Exceed Net Zero Targets… And Here’s How… — RG Group

Modern Construction is Helping To Exceed Net Zero Targets… And Here’s How…

The goal of net zero construction has risen to the top of the agenda across the industry in the UK. This is not just a responsibility for businesses but also an opportunity to change the course of construction forever by making decarbonisation a reality. The World Green Council has called for those involved in new construction, renovation and infrastructure to work to reduce embodied carbon by 40% by 2030 — but how realistic is that target? Looking at some of the modern construction already focused on net zero targets this may not be as unrealistic as many think.

Modern Methods Of Construction That Contribute Significantly To Climate Goals

• Modular construction. There are lots of advantages inherent in modular construction. For example, it enables greater agility, as well as focused quality control, standardisation and speed. And, of course, there are many green benefits to working in modular construction where components are constructed off site in a controlled, factory style environment, as opposed to on a regular construction site. In fact, the use of modular construction in one recent project meant that 90% of the work could be completed off-site and project delivery estimates reduced by up to two weeks. There are a multitude of savings inherent in this, from on-site emissions through to financial costs.
• SMART building technology. This can be used in combination with a process like modular construction to help evolve on an ongoing basis to better meet climate goals. Using SMART building technology plans can be refined using the lessons learned on the construction of previous modular blocks, for example. This approach was applied to one MoD project and enabled a drop of 33% in embodied carbon between the initial prototype and the subsequent buildings.
• Innovative green measures that improve sustainability on an ongoing basis. It’s not just the construction process itself where it’s possible for huge changes to be made but the life cycles of buildings too. There are lots of innovative green measures that can be integrated in order to improve sustainability on an ongoing basis. For example, rainwater harvesting pumps water back into the building for re-use and can significantly reduce water wastage.

Government Focus On Net Zero Targets

In order to ensure that organisations are focused on the end result — the net zero targets for the whole of the UK — the government has also put in place a green condition on public contracts of a certain size. This will require companies that are bidding on public contracts worth more than £5 million to submit a carbon reduction plan that covers not just carbon in the works but also how the business itself is making changes to become net carbon neutral by 2050.

Modern construction has a lot to add to the discussion around net zero targets — and the industry has a responsibility, and an opportunity, to be leading the charge. If you’d like to find out more about RG Group and how we’re focused on sustainability then get in touch.

Originally published at https://rg-group.co.uk on August 17, 2022.