Offsite construction in conjunction with modern methods of construction (MMC) will play a crucial role in the construction’s move towards achieving net-zero emissions. That is according to Stephen Good, the chief executive of Construction Scotland’s Innovation Centre.
Detailing his stance in an article for PBCToday, Good argues that the industry needs to accelerate its implementation of low and zero-carbon construction methods and processes. For him and other industry figures, the time for prototyping and trialing is over. Instead, these more energy-efficient methods need to become implemented at a commercial scale to reap the benefits they afford.
The central theme of the past twelve months has been sustainability. Both world governments and industry at large are now tasked with meeting the challenge of finding ways to cut emissions and adapt to more energy-efficient workflows.
With the finalising of the Glasgow Climate Pact in early November at COP26, the ideas and plans of businesses and nations are now set to be put to the test. Industry pledges to lower carbon emissions are now being demanded by not only governments but individuals across the globe.
For the construction sector, the tools and expertise to achieve these sustainability goals are already available. Offsite construction provides controlled environments that can minimise waste and a multitude of energy efficiencies. Construction methods such as light gauge steel framing provide thermal benefits and improved air tightness when compared to traditional materials like concrete, with carbon savings when combined with MMC.
Scaling up these modern construction processes will transform the industry and allow it to meet the challenge of sustainability. This involves five shifts taking place:
1. Responsible Procurement
Sustainable construction can be supported by conscientious procurement choices. This can be achieved by using materials that are renewable or low in embodied carbon, focussing on sustainability before a construction reaches the operational stage. In addition, energy-efficient contractors can also be used. Contractors competent in approaches such as Passivhaus and Enerphit can help meet energy goals.
Importantly, the long-term impact of a build and the value it brings needs to be considered above cost-saving.
2. Holistic policy
In order to encourage the industry to buy in and ihelp the built environment to achieve net-zero, there is a need for holistic policy frameworks.
While there have been some developments in terms of policy and guidelines in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe and Britain, there still remains a need to join-up policy objectives, particularly in regard to retrofit and embodied carbon. Establishing a unifying policy would lay a clear path for the construction sector, aiding its transition to net zero.
3. Encourage Green Skills
In order to achieve net-zero, the construction industry needs to ‘rewire’ its workforce system.
For the workforce to meet zero-carbon goals, it requires green skills that are not currently widely present. This will mean the introduction of the skills at multiple stages, from schools, colleges, and universities to the reskilling and upskilling of the existing workforce.
With the momentum of 2021 behind it, the construction industry should see initiatives in 2022 to encourage the adoption of these green skills.
4. Local Supply Chains
The use of nearby resources is another area that can help push the construction sector towards net zero.
With the availability and price of construction materials still an issue, there is an opportunity to reach out and establish relationships with local suppliers. Regenerative and sustainable materials such as local timber, for example, can be used to create innovative office solutions that can adapt to changing work environments.
5. Modern Methods of Construction Advancements
Lastly, there is a need to push forward with the digital transformation of the construction industry.
Digitalisation of the sector has, to date, been relatively slow. However, with the urgency of the climate crisis, the time is now ripe for the implementation of these modern methods of construction and oversight.
A digital construction industry will be able to make use of data at all levels of a project. Data and pattern observation can maximise energy efficiency with offsite construction, just-in-time deliveries, and MMC implementation.
About Horizon Offsite
Horizon Offsite Ltd is one of Europe’s leading players in Offsite Construction and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), providing a fully accredited structural light gauge steel system to the residential, industrial, commercial, healthcare and educational sectors. Contact the Horizon Offsite team at https://www.horizonoffsite.ie