Tackling Space Capacity with Circular Solutions

Traditional construction rarely brings sustainability to the top of the mind, especially with its wastefulness and resource-intensive processes. However, a shift is occurring as legislation and customers globally are requesting and expecting more eco-friendly practices and products.

Thinking at a macro scale, it is a bit of a paradox to build something new from raw, sustainable materials and label it genuinely environmentally friendly. Have we truly considered the holistic needs and use of the building over its full lifespan in the process? This is the pivotal role that WillScot Mobile Mini modular and temporary space solutions play in supporting the circular economy.

Power of Resource Optimization

Modular and temporary buildings are prefabricated in factories, where materials can be precisely measured and cut, resulting in minimal waste, and often constructed using materials that are easily recyclable, such as steel, wood, and glass. Any excess materials can be easily reused or recycled, minimizing the environmental footprint of the construction process and the overall embodied carbon of the building. Furthermore, this enables ease of dismantling and relocating these structures for future use.

‘Modular construction makes up nearly 70 percent of all new construction in Sweden and 33 percent in Singapore.’

Refurbishment and Repurposing

With traditional construction, sustainability often comes at a premium, but temporary units are customizable to grow with your needs, at your pace and at a more cost-effective and quicker rate. The flexibility of the units means that these structures can be reused for various purposes throughout their lifecycle. For example, a temporary classroom can be repurposed as a medical testing facility or even a media outlet for a sporting event, extending its life and reducing the need for new construction. This versatility is the epitome of the circular economy concept, where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible. It is not just about the structures themselves but also about promoting a sustainability mindset.

Adaptability and FLEX-ibility

We have taken modular construction to the next level with our FLEX units. Designed and built with sustainability in mind, they are the ultimate versatile building. Providing interchangeable panels for limitless configurations, reflective roof coating deflecting 93 percent of the sun, LED motion sensor lighting, and insulated double-pane windows, to name a few.

I am proud to share that we are studying the footprint of our FLEX Unit via a life cycle assessment (LCA) to look for further ways to reduce its impact. Through the assessment, results have highlighted the opportunity Flex provides to reduce the impact of commuting to a work site. Even at a low level, such as 5 miles/day of weekly commuting, the environmental benefit from the offset of driving can be larger than the environmental cost of producing the Flex Unit.

Our solutions go beyond the buildings themselves; we also have a line of Essential products that create a ready to work space upon delivery. This includes furniture, steps, restrooms, kitchenette supplies, and more. By providing everything in a single delivery, we reduce emissions associated with transportation and minimize waste as the products are restored and reused for our future customers.

Conclusion

Modular construction makes up nearly 70 percent of all new construction in Sweden and 33 percent in Singapore. Although that figure is far lower in the United States, multiple organizations have recognized the ESG benefits of Modular, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Dept of Veterans Affairs, the Architectural Institute of America, the EPA, the National Institute for Standards and Testing, and the US Green Building Council, among others.

As we continue to evolve our own ESG efforts, we believe our space solutions are a beacon of hope in the construction sector, offering a range of benefits that align perfectly with the principles of the circular economy. From reduced waste and resource efficiency to enhanced material recycling and energy efficiency, these structures are making substantial contributions to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

I believe that embracing innovative construction methods and reusability of essential products will ensure a reduced strain on the environment and a more sustainable future for all.