Sustainable buildings from Wernick

Southmead modular offices

At Wernick Group, we believe that buildings should not only serve the needs of the people who use them, but also respect the environment in which they are built. Our sustainable buildings are designed to minimise carbon emissions, reduce waste and support a more sustainable future.

By using modular and offsite construction methods, we are able to deliver high-quality spaces with significantly lower environmental impact than traditional construction. From refurbished modular buildings that extend the life of existing materials to new builds designed with energy efficiency and resource responsibility in mind, Wernick provides solutions that combine performance with sustainability.

Whether you are looking for a permanent facility, a refurbished modular space or a temporary hire solution, Wernick offers sustainable buildings that help you achieve your sustainability goals without compromise.

Why modular construction is sustainable

Modular construction offers a smarter, greener alternative to traditional building methods. Because most of the work takes place in a factory environment, it generates far less waste and reduces the risk of environmental damage on site.

  • Lower environmental impact – Installation of modular buildings produces significantly less disruption to local communities and wildlife
  • No on-site waste – With the majority of work completed offsite, construction waste is minimised and responsibly managed
  • Reduced noise pollution – Modular installation is quieter than traditional construction, protecting both people and nature
  • Faster installation – Depending on conditions, 10 to 12 units can be craned into place in a single day, with some projects reaching up to 17. This speed reduces environmental disturbance and allows sites to recover more quickly

By choosing modular, you are choosing a construction method that aligns with the principles of sustainability.

A circular approach

Refurbishment is at the heart of our circular approach to construction. By extending the life of modular buildings, we reduce demand for new raw materials and prevent buildings from being sent to landfill.

  • Reuse of steel frames – Retaining the most carbon-intensive part of the building dramatically reduces embodied emissions
  • 46% reduction in embodied carbon – An independent academic study found that refurbished modular buildings achieve nearly half the carbon footprint of new builds
  • Recycling and responsible disposal – Materials that cannot be reused are recycled or disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact
  • Modern performance standards – Every refurbished building is upgraded to provide a modern, high-quality space that meets today’s expectations

This approach allows clients to enjoy the benefits of our sustainable buildings while contributing to a truly circular economy.

Image of a factory employee refurbishing a modular building

Sustainable site solutions

Sustainability is just as important in temporary spaces as it is in permanent ones. At Wernick Hire, we are committed to providing site solutions that reduce energy use, cut emissions and support compliance with sustainability targets.

Working with Wernick Power Solutions, we offer a wide range of green hire products:

  • Eco cabins, modular buildings, welfare and toilet facilities designed for energy efficiency
  • Hybrid generators and battery storage for clean, temporary power
  • Lower running costs through smarter energy usage
  • Nationwide availability for flexible deployment

Watch our latest interview with our welfare supplier, Groundhog.

With Wernick Hire, sustainability isn’t just an option, it is built into everything we do.

Sustainable from the start

Our new modular buildings are designed with sustainability built in. Every stage of the process is carefully managed to reduce environmental impact and optimise efficiency.

  • Controlled factory production minimises off-cuts and ensures waste is recycled or reused
  • Solar energy powers production at our manufacturing facility
  • 50% less concrete and 25% less steel is used compared to traditional building methods
  • ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards guarantee quality and environmental responsibility
  • Responsibly sourced materials such as timber further enhance sustainability credentials

The result is a modern, durable and sustainable building that helps reduce your long-term environmental footprint.

Image of Wernick Buildings factory in Kenfig with solar panels on the factory roof

Benefits of choosing Wernick’s sustainable buildings

When you choose Wernick, you gain more than just a building. You gain a partner committed to reducing environmental impact while delivering exceptional performance.

  • Lower carbon footprint
  • Reduced waste and resource use
  • Faster, less disruptive installation
  • Long-term cost savings through efficiency
  • Alignment with your organisation’s sustainability goals

Wernick also has the capability to design and deliver net zero in operation modular and portable buildings. Our flexible building systems and sustainable construction methods enable us to support organisations aiming for the highest levels of environmental performance.

Sustainable power solutions

Sustainable energy is essential to achieving a truly low-carbon built environment. At Wernick Power Solutions, we are committed to helping our customers reduce emissions and operate more efficiently through innovative, eco-friendly power systems.

From battery storage and hybrid technology to solar-powered systems and HVO fuel, our products are designed to lower carbon output and support the transition to cleaner energy. We also offer EV charging solutions that help businesses prepare for a more sustainable, electric future.

Whether powering a construction site, modular facility or event, Wernick Power Solutions provides reliable, sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.

Wernick Power Solutions Stage V generator, fuel store, Voltbank and HEMS panel

Measure your impact with the GreenSpace Eco Calculator

The GreenSpace Eco Calculator is a smart online tool that shows the potential CO₂ and cost savings you can achieve by choosing from our Wernick Hire eco range of portable buildings and site accommodation.

Simply select the products you need, input your hire duration and the calculator will instantly demonstrate how switching to greener options can reduce your carbon footprint and lower running costs, helping you meet your sustainability goals on every project.

Partner with Wernick for your next sustainable building

At Wernick, we are proud to deliver sustainable building solutions that balance performance, cost and environmental responsibility. Whether you are seeking a refurbished modular building, a new facility or temporary hire solutions, we can help you achieve your goals.

Contact our team today to learn more about how Wernick’s environmentally friendly buildings can support your project and contribute to a greener future.

Explore sustainable solutions across the Wernick Group

york-factory-solar-panels
Wernick Refurbished Buildings

Our refurbished modular buildings give existing structures a new lease of life. By reusing steel frames and upgrading every element to modern standards, we cut waste, reduce embodied carbon and deliver sustainable spaces that perform like new.

Wernick Hire GreenSpace cabin and Wernick Power Solutions Voltbank
Wernick Hire

Wernick Hire provides sustainable modular buildings, cabins and welfare facilities for short- and long-term projects. With energy-efficient designs, hybrid power solutions and nationwide availability, our hire fleet helps you meet sustainability goals without compromise.

Wernick Buildings

From classrooms to healthcare facilities, our new modular buildings are engineered with sustainability in mind. Built in controlled factory environments, they use fewer materials, generate less waste and are powered by renewable energy during production.

FAQs

Sustainable buildings are designed to reduce their impact on the environment throughout their life cycle. They minimise carbon emissions, limit waste and often use responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient systems. At Wernick, our sustainable buildings are delivered through modular and offsite construction methods that support lower carbon footprints and faster, cleaner installation.

Modular buildings are manufactured in controlled factory environments, which reduces waste, improves efficiency and ensures consistent quality. Installation on site is faster, quieter and less disruptive than traditional methods, cutting noise, dust and environmental disturbance. They also use significantly less concrete and steel, lowering embodied carbon.

Yes. Refurbished modular buildings extend the life of existing materials, particularly steel frames, which are the most carbon-intensive part of a building. Independent research shows that refurbishment can reduce embodied carbon emissions by up to 46% compared to new builds, making it a highly sustainable choice.

They can. At Wernick Hire, we provide a wide range of sustainable hire options, including energy-efficient cabins, welfare facilities, and modular spaces. With hybrid power solutions, battery storage, and efficient designs, our hire buildings help clients reduce emissions and meet sustainability targets.

Modular buildings are produced in a controlled factory environment, which ensures greater efficiency and less waste compared to on-site construction. Materials are used more effectively, off-cuts are recycled or reused and the need for multiple deliveries to site is reduced. The installation process is also much faster and less disruptive, which minimises noise, dust and energy use. Together, these factors make modular buildings significantly more sustainable than traditional construction methods.

Sustainable buildings reduce both operational and embodied carbon. Operational carbon is lowered through energy-efficient design, responsible material choices and reduced running costs over the life of the building. Embodied carbon is reduced by using fewer raw materials, recycling existing components such as steel frames and optimising construction processes. Refurbished modular buildings in particular can cut embodied carbon emissions by nearly half, making them an effective solution for organisations aiming to meet net zero targets.

Not necessarily. While some sustainable design features can involve an initial investment, modular and offsite methods typically offer cost savings through efficiency. Faster installation reduces labour costs, while less material waste lowers overall resource expenditure. In addition, sustainable buildings often reduce running costs over their lifetime thanks to improved energy performance, making them a cost-effective option in both the short and long term.

Yes. Wernick has the expertise and capability to design and deliver modular and portable buildings that achieve net zero in operation. By combining highly efficient building systems with renewable energy sources and smart energy management, modular buildings can operate without adding carbon emissions. This makes them an ideal choice for clients who want to align projects with ambitious net zero strategies.

Sustainable buildings are relevant across every sector. In education, they provide efficient, modern spaces for schools and universities with reduced environmental impact. In healthcare, they deliver high-quality facilities quickly while supporting NHS carbon reduction targets. Commercial clients benefit from lower operating costs and stronger ESG credentials, while public sector organisations use sustainable buildings to meet environmental compliance requirements.

Investing in sustainable buildings allows businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, meet stakeholder expectations and align with wider corporate social responsibility and ESG goals. It also demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability, which can strengthen reputation and brand value. By choosing sustainable modular or refurbished solutions, businesses can achieve these benefits while still enjoying modern, high-performance spaces delivered with speed and efficiency.