How refurbished modular buildings reduce embodied carbon emissions by 46%

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern construction and businesses are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. A recent academic study has highlighted a significant advantage of choosing refurbished modular buildings over newly built ones: a 46% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. This substantial saving makes modular refurbishment an ideal choice for organisations looking to meet sustainability goals while maintaining cost efficiency.

What is embodied carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon emissions generated during the production, transportation and construction of a building. It accounts for emissions from materials such as steel, concrete and insulation, as well as the energy used during the construction process. Reducing embodied carbon is critical to lowering the overall environmental impact of the built environment.

The findings: Refurbishment vs. new build

The study assessed the embodied carbon emissions of an 8-bay modular building that was refurbished and relocated, compared to an equivalent new-build modular structure. The key findings revealed that:

• A refurbished 8-bay modular building produces 46% less embodied carbon than a newly built equivalent.
• The end module of a refurbished building produces 42% less embodied carbon compared to a new build.
• The middle module of a refurbished structure achieves an even greater reduction, with 48% fewer emissions.

The primary reason for this carbon saving is the reuse of the steel frame structure, which extends the life of the material and eliminates the need for new steel production—a highly energy-intensive process.

Why choose a refurbished modular building?

Beyond the environmental benefits, refurbishing a modular building offers several advantages:

• Refurbishment typically costs less than constructing a new building, providing budget-friendly solutions without compromising quality.
• Since much of the structure is already in place, the refurbishment process is quicker than new construction.
• Reusing materials significantly cuts down on construction waste, helping businesses align with circular economy principles.
• Refurbished modular buildings can be tailored to meet specific needs, including upgraded interiors, improved insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

A sustainable solution for the future

This study demonstrates that refurbishing modular buildings is a practical and effective way to cut carbon emissions while extending the lifespan of existing structures. With growing emphasis on sustainability and net zero targets, businesses can benefit from choosing low-carbon, circular economy solutions for their building needs.

View study here.