In the ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry, a groundbreaking study has shed new light on the intersection of prefabrication, modularity, and the circular economy. Led by Nelson Soares from the University of Coimbra’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, this research delves into how these three pillars can revolutionize the way we build and sustain our structures.
The study, published in the journal Buildings, systematically reviews the latest literature to understand how prefabricated and modular systems align with the principles of the circular economy. The circular economy, for those unfamiliar, is a model that aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources. It focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life.
Soares and his team identified five key themes that emerged from their analysis: prefabrication and modularity, the circular economy in the construction sector, energy and environmental life cycle assessments, life cycle costing, and digitalization. The findings suggest that prefabricated and modular systems are indeed compatible with circular economy principles. “Strategies such as disassembly and deconstruction design, as well as recycling and reuse, are crucial in aligning these systems with the circular economy,” Soares explained.
However, the direct connection between prefabrication/modularity and the circular economy is still relatively weak. This is where environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and building information modeling (BIM) come into play. These methodologies are bridging the gap, providing a framework for integrating circular economy principles into prefabricated and modular construction.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As buildings become more energy-efficient and sustainable, the demand for energy decreases. This shift could lead to a more resilient and sustainable energy sector, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
But how might this research shape future developments in the field? Soares believes that the development of reliable guidelines and regulations is key. “Establishing these practices as core requirements within the construction industry will further advance the integration of prefabrication and modularity in the circular economy,” he said.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the construction industry is on the cusp of a significant shift. The integration of prefabrication, modularity, and the circular economy could lead to more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective buildings. And with the energy sector poised to benefit from these developments, the potential for a greener, more sustainable future is within reach. The study published in Buildings, which translates to English as ‘Buildings’, is a significant step in this direction, providing a roadmap for the industry to follow.