BENEFITS | Introduction | Client | Contracting | Environmental |
Environmental Benefits
The off-site green agenda is not yet fully evolved. In a step towards identifying the carbon consequences of volumetric construction, UMS has commissioned research with some leading industry bodies to identify the impact of choosing to utilise UMS’ form of construction. This work will be used to establish an agenda for future research and development work, as UMS’ innovation pathway will be concentrated on reducing embodied impacts and improving through-life building performance.
Our intention is to act transparently, without recourse to ‘greenwash’ or misleading comparisons against other construction processes. Our aim is to help clients when considering the method of build most suitable for their individual project. We intend to help our clients and their professional teams by minimising embodied impacts, sourcing and procuring responsibly, and being able to advise on practicable, realistic and cost effective carbon reduction options from a position of expertise and experience.
There is no doubt that off-site volumetric modular construction will not be the right approach for every project. However, there are many well documented environmental benefits of off-site construction, including:
- UMS has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation - the internationally recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment.
- Light steel frame is a fully recyclable material. At the end of the building life there is nothing to stop a client re-engaging with UMS to return to site and decommission, dismantle and recycle the building components for use of future construction projects.
- The reduced weight of volumetric build necessitates a reduction in foundations, resulting in a reduction in the embodied energy of piles, pads or footings to be constructed in the ground by other trades.
- Factory manufacture and fit-out deliver products that are right first time, thus reducing material waste to <½%. UMS’ Quality Management System is certified to ISO9001: 2001.
- Factory controlled production means buildings are manufactured to very tight tolerances resulting in improved operational performance yielding exceptional energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and reduced running costs.
- Site waste is dramatically reduced.
- All timber is procured from certified sources.
- Volumetric production maximises transport utilisation.
- All components, fixtures and fittings can be sourced on environmental performance including ozone friendly insulation and CFC free appliances.
- The UMS steel-framed design minimises thermal bridging thereby reducing heat loss.
- UMS can incorporate elements of the external cladding and roofing systems so as to reduce the amount of on site work required to be carried out by other trades, and thereby contribute to a reduction in terms of transport of other personnel and materials to site.
- The UMS system offers the opportunity, contingent upon the overall design and site conditions, to eliminate the need for scaffolding systems to construct a building superstructure.
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UNITE Modular Solutions Ltd.