World Environment Day – leading and exceeding sustainability standards in modular construction

Sustainability in construction is no longer a future ambition, it’s a present-day responsibility. This World Environment Day, we’re proud to be setting the benchmark for sustainable practices in modular, combining innovation, precision engineering and circular economy principles to deliver measurable environmental impact.

Sustainability starts at home

We established a carbon baseline in 2018, under the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework and since then we’ve taken significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate progress towards net zero by 2040. In 2024, we invested in high-performance photovoltaic (PV) arrays across our manufacturing facilities, generating over 324,000 kWh of renewable energy in 2024-5 and reducing grid energy consumption by more than 35% year-on-year. Our factories now operate on 100% renewable energy, with surplus solar power being exported back to the grid.

Efficiency and waste reduction are also embedded in our approach as through precision manufacturing and a zero waste to landfill policy, 66% of factory waste is recycled and 34% is converted into energy. Initiatives such as smart plugs and the electrification of our forklift fleet are driving further efficiencies, with predicted lifetime savings of 276 tCO₂e. Our focus extends beyond our own operations: Scope 3 emissions from waste have reduced by 72% year-on-year, and delivery emissions are actively measured and offset through verified environmental partnerships.

Creating a circular economy

At the core of our sustainability strategy is a commitment to circularity. Our modular buildings are designed for longevity, adaptability and reuse, with lifespans exceeding 40 years. Spaces can be repurposed to meet changing needs, from offices to healthcare environments, maximising asset values while minimising environmental impact. Rental solutions play a critical role in this model, already accounting for 57% of annual turnover and supporting a shift away from traditional, resource-intensive construction methods. To ensure this remains a focus, we are committed to increasing this to 67% in 2026-27 and 74% by 2030.

Promoting sustainable solutions

What also stands us apart is the breadth of efficiency-enhancing systems integrated into our buildings. From solar-powered heating and AI-driven energy management to air and ground source heat pumps, roof-mounted turbines, and rainwater harvesting, our solutions are designed to reduce operational energy demand and support long-term sustainability. Rainwater harvesting is particularly important in addressing UK water scarcity, offering a practical way to reduce reliance on mains supplies across both permanent and temporary facilities.

Innovation extends to how our buildings interact with the natural environment. Our award-winning Paper Yard laboratory, part of British Land’s £3.6 billion redevelopment vision for Canada Water, features a 360m² green roof that enhances biodiversity and mitigates flood risk by regulating rainwater runoff. These systems also act as natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling demands. Across our projects, we incorporate green spaces such as welfare gardens and living walls, supporting both biodiversity and wellbeing, such as at Warwick Hospital.

This commitment to excellence is consistently reflected in our results, as evidenced in 2024-5 where all 120 of our new modular buildings achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating, placing them in the top 10% of UK non-domestic buildings for environmental performance. Projects such as our facility for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have delivered carbon reductions of over 48% through deliberate design choices and renewable energy integration.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, we remain focused on delivering smarter, more sustainable buildings that meet today’s needs without compromising tomorrow.

To learn more about our ESG efforts, click here.