Sustainability is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. Schools across the country are striving to meet net zero carbon targets while also providing modern, efficient learning environments. At Premier Modular, we’re committed to supporting clean energy with clean construction.
There are a range of solutions to achieve these goals, including actively choosing sustainable construction methods to minimise embodied carbon and incorporating clean energy technologies for reduced operational carbon – all of which we make possible. By designing learning spaces for the future, we’re helping the next generation thrive in sustainable environments.
Building smarter, building greener
Choosing modular construction is an inherently more sustainable option than traditional building methods – whether you choose permanent or rental buildings. By manufacturing components in a controlled factory environment, Premier Modular sends zero waste to landfill from its factory, and our lean manufacturing principles and precise manufacturing lower the embodied carbon of your build.
As a result of the precise manufacturing, air permeability is minimised in your building, leading to enhanced thermal efficiency, which in turn will reduce heat loss – rewarding lower monthly energy bills.
Pushing the boundaries, our buildings exceed building regulations, meaning we have some of the best performing buildings in the modular and construction sectors.
Reuse, recycle and rethink
One of the most fundamental principles of sustainable construction is maximising the reuse of materials to minimise waste. Our modular buildings are designed with circular economy principles in mind, as structures can be repurposed, relocated or reconfigured to meet changing educational needs. The recyclability of temporary solutions means that your school building could go on to provide beds to help the NHS save lives or become a part of some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country.
Integrating clean energy
Schools can also reduce their environmental impact by incorporating a range of advanced energy efficient technologies. These include solar power solutions, where PV panels harness the power of the sun to create clean, renewable electricity, significantly reducing schools’ reliance on fossil fuels and reducing electricity bills. There’s even the option to connect PV panels to the national grid, so schools can sell power back to the local community over weekends and school holidays.
Utilising the energy in the environment is a simple but effective way to reduce a school’s operational carbon, as well as PV panels, ground source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems utilise naturally occurring energy and resources to conserve energy and water and lower utility bills further.
A huge problem for many schools is the ‘small power’ that they don’t even know they’re using on a daily basis. Small power, such as monitors, printers and hot water taps, can account for 40% of a school’s energy consumption. With smart plugs, such as those used by our partner, Measurable Energy, can support schools to reduce this unnecessary energy usage, not only reducing the carbon footprint of a school, but reducing annual bills by a minimum of 20%.
For Beacon Rise Primary School in Bristol, sustainability was key for its small but mighty office facility. With sustainable technology designed into the building, we included light sensors, PV solar panels and a suspended ceiling to minimise the amount of energy required to heat the building and reduce heat loss. The result? A building that’s low in operational and embodied carbon to increase sustainability and reduce energy bills for the school.
Future-proofing for the next generation
By embedding sustainability into the very fabric of our modular buildings, we help schools create learning environments that are not just energy-efficient but also adaptable for future needs. With a commitment to clean construction, schools can be empowered to lead the way in environmental responsibility, inspiring the next generation to embrace sustainability.
Find out more about our sustainability journey or how we could support your school estate.
