A Greener NHS. How can MMC help achieve this?

Climate change poses a major threat to our planet. The environment is changing at a rapid rate, and this has a direct and immediate consequences for patients, the public and the NHS. Modular construction is quietly driving a revolution in the way that we build over the coming years. With the NHS set to be Net Carbon Zero by 2040, sustainability is no longer a buzz word and has become a fundamental consideration in the way in which we build healthcare facilities. So, how can modern methods of construction contribute to help the NHS achieve this target?

This process begins with the company itself, and more importantly its staff and community. Creating a sustainable building is not just about energy efficiency, recycling, and waste reduction, it encompasses the entire process from good health, wellbeing, communities, and social value. Operational and embodied carbon, transport, land use, biodiversity, and the overall life cycle costs.

Through the early design process modelling software allows the designers to estimate materials for both the construction of each modular unit and the interior finishes. Digitally connecting multi-discipline teams from the beginning of the concept design right through to the development process and beyond. This minimises the risk of errors by eliminating the time-consuming process of translating engineers’ information into cutting lists and assembly drawings. A frozen design from the Trust at the early stages can help with the adoption of prefabrication and reduce overall construction costs.

During construction, individual modules are produced in a factory setting, this enables a superior control of energy and material use than it would in an open construction site. Materials are protected from moisture and extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of disposal through water ingress and damage. Any surplus materials are recycled or reused for future projects, reducing the construction waste that ends up in landfill. On average 67% less energy is required and up to 50% less time spent onsite when compared to traditional methods, resulting in up to 90% fewer vehicle movements. Which is less disruptive for the Trust and reduces carbon emissions.

Due to the ever-changing needs for the NHS to expand, alter and adapt existing building stock, modular buildings can help facilitate this and are called “portable buildings” for a reason. They can literally be transported from one place to another without having to go through the process of demolition. The term “modular” comes from the fact that these buildings are built one module (or unit) at a time and are then assembled on site. So, it stands to reason that they can also be dismantled and added to as and when this is required. This makes it very easy to break up the building without disturbing the surrounding environment with dust, debris, and other unwanted pollutants.

As we strive to reduce our carbon emissions and become ‘greener’, the popularity of modern methods of construction will continue to rise, to support the NHS now and into the future.