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As sustainability standards become increasingly important to customers, investors, and communities, UK construction must be increasingly guided by the principles of circularity.
The use of modular solutions and offsite construction in particular is set to skyrocket, offering customers low carbon, energy efficient buildings constructed through methods and solutions which reduce waste, emissions, and disruption. Vitally from a circularity and sustainability standpoint, modular solutions are inherently reusable, reconfigurable, and recyclable.
The global modular construction market is projected to grow from $84.48 billion in 2023 to $131.58 billion by 2030, driven largely by sustainability priorities. But what really sets modular apart in the competitive marketplace is its combined environmental and financial value, as solutions offer robust, long term cost benefits.
So, what’s the financial rationale for going modular?
Traditionally, the built environment follows a linear model: take-make-dispose.
Circular solutions offer an alternative, centred around use and reuse rather than excessive consumption. The repurposing of modular rental solutions is one of the most circular methods of construction to date. At Premier Modular, our rental modules are designed to easily be installed, used, disassembled and redeployed many times over. For example, a classroom can be repurposed into hospital ward space.
Modular solutions, both rental and permanent, can also be routinely reconfigured to minimise the need for new components and modules to be produced. For example, former offices can be reconfigured to create student accommodation, without major structural or interior works.
The flexibility and recyclability of modular buildings drive significant financial efficiencies by maximising asset utilisation and extending the lifecycle of assets.
Renting modules can also help businesses with financial security. It allows the funding to come from OpEx budgets, reducing pressure on CapEx, which avoids larger upfront costs and helps maintain a steady cash flow. At Premier Modular, we also offer flexible finance schemes to truly align with business’ need.
Not only does modular offer flexibility in design, but it also presents cost effective solutions, and faster turnaround times. Our buildings can be installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months. Once delivered, the assembly of the building can be completed in days, allowing for immediate occupancy and quick return on investment.
Factory-based manufacturing means projects run to planned timelines and are less likely to be affected by weather delays, making budgets more controllable and predictable. This also means minimal downtime for businesses looking to continue operating and generating income while construction work takes place.
Unnecessary waste is costly to the environment, business owners and developers.
Modular, precise, offsite manufacturing means less waste from the start as components are made to exact specifications and fewer offcuts, or waste parts, are created. Lean manufacturing processes additionally prioritise operational efficiency, maintaining high productivity and reducing waste.
At Premier Modular, we take this further. Our team has committed to being net zero by 2040, and we ensure zero waste is sent to landfill, with 66% of our waste being recycled, and the remainder getting converted into energy. In 2024, this diverted 2,039 tons of waste from landfill, created 2,400 kWh of energy for our factory, saving 21 trees in the process.
Our lean manufacturing process contributes several ‘Materials’ and ‘Waste’ credits needed for a building to achieve an “Excellent” BREEAM rating. In fact, all 120 of our completed projects in 2024/25 achieved this status, putting them in the UK’s top 10% of new non-domestic buildings for environmental performance.
We also integrate highly energy efficient systems into our projects, including an enhanced building fabric with high performance insulation to minimise heat loss, ultra efficient LED lighting, and air source heat pumps. Our modular solutions can also incorporate renewable and smart technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and intelligent plug sockets, all lowering energy consumption and reducing electricity bills.
By combining circular design, lean offsite manufacturing, flexibility and highly energy efficient systems, modular buildings reduce waste and cut costs. Through faster build times and efficient processes, modular construction delivers a future proof approach that benefits customers from both a financial and sustainability standpoint.
Click here to learn more about our rental solutions or contact our team today.
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