Accounting for the greenhouse gas emissions of construction: a UK case study

Abstract

An 8-year, £1·5 billion construction project by the UK's Ministry of Defence – involving the provision of 9500 living spaces for soldiers – has provided an opportunity to compare the greenhouse gas emissions associated with modular buildings with those associated with traditional construction. Due for completion in 2014, the project is ideal for the study as it incorporates a variety of new building types, construction methods, supply routes and locations. This paper reports on the findings of the study, which showed that modular buildings reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 30%. An eventual ‘carbon dioxide payback’ for the whole project is expected in under 12 years, based on comparing operational emissions savings with the emissions generated by construction.