At our latest Monthly Industry Meetup, John Pay, Marketing and Sales Director at Thurston Group, delivered a compelling talk on how modular construction is revolutionising the industry by driving sustainability and efficiency. His presentation set the stage for a dynamic discussion group, bringing together professionals from manufacturing and energy sectors to explore collaboration, innovation, and the challenges of breaking away from 'traditional ways of working'.
Key Takeaways from John Pay’s Presentation
John outlined the significant environmental impact of traditional construction and how modular methods can address these challenges. He highlighted that modular construction enables efficient material usage, reduced on-site time, and substantial carbon emission reductions. By manufacturing up to 90% of a building off-site, companies can minimise transportation and labor inefficiencies while maximising sustainability.
Real-world examples from Thurston’s projects in nuclear, logistics, and renewable energy showcased how early stakeholder engagement and advanced design processes result in cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions. John emphasised that modular isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but a transformative approach, adaptable to complex architectural designs without sacrificing quality.
A recurring theme was the importance of education and early engagement. John stressed that aligning project designs with modular capabilities from the outset avoids costly retrofits and unlocks greater efficiency.
Discussion Highlights
Following the presentation, participants delved deeper into the intersection of modular construction, sustainability, and collaboration. Here are the key insights from the discussion:
The Role of Collaboration in Modular and Manufacturing
John Pay expressed frustration with the construction industry's slow embrace of innovation, calling for genuine collaboration across supply chains to drive change. He highlighted that only 7% of housing demand could currently be met with modular methods due to sector-wide inefficiencies and outdated planning regulations.
Chris Cowling (Commercial Director at Ineco Energy) and Nigel Addison-Evans (Client Relationship Manager at Control Energy Costs) shared insights on collaboration in their fields, emphasising how stakeholder alignment improves project outcomes. Chris noted that tailoring energy systems to end-user needs rather than standard contractor specifications often avoids inefficiencies and maximises value.
Sustainability and Rising Energy Costs
Energy was a central theme, with panelists linking sustainable practices to economic benefits:
Chris underscored the financial advantages of solar PV, predicting energy cost inflation of over 10% annually. He shared examples of rapid payback periods, positioning renewable energy as a competitive edge for manufacturers.
Nigel highlighted the role of education in helping industries reduce energy costs. By adopting battery storage and renewable energy solutions, companies can cut non-commodity costs—now a significant part of energy bills.
Challenges in Modular Adoption
Tom Gwynn (Technical Sales Manager at Armstrong Group) shared experiences of working with companies in the construction industry, noting how many are struggling with cash flow and market adoption, despite the technological advancements in the sector. These challenges echo John’s observations about procurement limitations and resistance to change within the sector.
Technological Innovations and the Path Forward
Participants agreed that leveraging advanced technologies like battery storage, waste-to-energy systems, and more efficient materials can bolster both modular construction and manufacturing industries. However, collaboration and long-term stakeholder engagement are essential to overcoming systemic barriers.
In Summary...
The session underscored that modular construction represents not just a method but a mindset shift towards sustainability and efficiency. Through open collaboration, cross-industry learning, and innovative energy solutions, companies can adapt to rising demands for environmentally conscious practices.