Wernick and Swansea University strengthen partnership for next phase of modular building sustainability research

Following the success of their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project, Wernick Group is continuing its collaboration with Swansea University, with further funding from an EPSRC Switch to Net Zero Buildings Place Based Impact Acceleration Award (PBIAA), as the project enters a new, expanded phase. The next stage will extend beyond Wernick, incorporating the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and key industry partners. The aim is to develop a methodology for assessing modular buildings’ Whole Life Carbon (WLC) impact, supporting the UK’s net zero carbon targets.

A sector-wide approach to net zero

Building on the work Joanna Morgan, from Swansea University, has already undertaken with Wernick, this new year-long project will take a broader industry-wide approach. The project, titled ‘Independent assessment of the whole life carbon of modular buildings,’ will address a key challenge in the construction sector: demonstrating the long-term carbon benefits of modular buildings beyond their initial construction phase.

While carbon emissions from manufacturing modular buildings (A1-A5 lifecycle stages) are well-documented, the industry lacks comprehensive research on the operational phase, reuse potential and end-of-life impact of modular buildings. This study will provide data-driven insights to fill that gap and help modular construction align with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS).

Wernick is also working with the MPBA to help develop the MPBA’s roadmap to net zero, ensuring the modular and portable building sector has a clear strategy for achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Key focus areas of the project

This new phase of research will:

• Develop a methodology for capturing and demonstrating the WLC benefits of modular construction, particularly in building operation and reuse.
• Investigate Scope 4 emissions—the concept of avoided emissions—which could highlight additional carbon-saving benefits of modular buildings.
• Work with Neath Port Talbot Council (NPTC) to understand the challenges of procuring NZC buildings and develop strategies to support informed decision-making.
• Improve sector-wide knowledge sharing by coordinating data from the modular sector and local supply chains, creating a cohesive approach to net zero.
• Influence policy development by providing evidence-based research that could support an industry-wide NZC standard for modular buildings.
• Encourage behavioural change by offering clear data and methodologies that demonstrate the carbon efficiency of modular buildings to clients and decision-makers.

Why this matters

The findings from this project have the potential to transform the modular building sector, reinforcing its position as a leading solution for low-carbon construction. By quantifying the long-term carbon benefits, this research will provide credible data that could influence procurement decisions, policy-making and sustainability strategies across the industry.

For Wernick, this project aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability commitments, ensuring that their modular solutions continue to drive innovation and meet the highest environmental standards. As modular construction gains traction as a mainstream solution for sustainable building, this research will provide the data needed to validate its long-term benefits.

As the project progresses, findings will be shared with the industry, helping to shape future standards, procurement strategies and sustainability benchmarks. The collaboration between Wernick, Swansea University, MPBA and industry partners is a major step towards ensuring modular construction plays a leading role in the UK’s journey to net zero.