University of the Built Environment
University of the Built Environment (formerly known as UCEM) is the leading provider of supported online education for the built environment. Tune in for discussions about the real estate and construction industries, as well as insights into what it's like to study with UCEM and conversations with the institution's students, alumni, supporters and staff. Find out more at ube.ac.uk
University of the Built Environment
Episode 20: Modular promises, measurable impact?
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With Dirk Vennix, James Pritchett and Jason Phelps
Overview
Modern methods of construction (MMC) are frequently presented as a critical solution to some of the built environment sector’s most pressing challenges. Faster delivery, improved quality control and reduced environmental impact are often cited as key advantages, particularly as the UK seeks to accelerate housing delivery while progressing towards net zero commitments.
In this episode, we explore whether modular and offsite construction methods are delivering measurable carbon impact in practice - and why the evidence base is still so thin.
The discussion considers how embodied carbon is currently measured across MMC projects and examines the extent to which emissions reductions are genuinely being achieved.
Looking beyond contemporary debates, the episode explores the long historical roots of offsite construction, while customer expectations and queries form another key strand of the conversation.
Bringing together research, industry practice and academic insight, the panel consists of Dirk Vennix, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), James Pritchett from sustainable homebuilders Greencore Homes, and University of the Built Environment senior lecturer Jason Phelps, whose PhD thesis compares historical and contemporary approaches to offsite fabrication.
Links
CIRIA – Construction Industry Research and Information Association