The carbon footprint of a building?

VTT study: the lifetime carbon footprint of a modular school is up to 50% lower than that of a school built on site

Modular vs. on-site school

  • Study author Technology Research Centre VTT Oy, Sirje Vares
  • The study compared the lifecycle carbon footprint of a prefabricated portable school building with that of an on-site school building
  • Size of the buildings 600 kem²
  • District heating; E-value 103
  • Reference period 40 years
    • Building to be relocated: 4 different sites with relocation
    • On-site building: 1 site

Life cycle carbon footprint up to 75% lower than on-site and up to 50% lower during operation in one location, depending on the heating method.

We build dynamic and energy-efficient buildings.

We contribute to mitigating environmental impacts by minimising emissions.

We invest in the occupational safety of our personnel and wellbeing.

Sustainability

We work constantly to make our production more sustainable. In everyday work, we invest in regular product development and more sustainable material choices.

All our buildings are designed and built with professionalism, without compromising on quality.
We build high-quality and energy-efficient buildings, such as health and social services centres, hospitals, day-care centres and schools, which are built to last for over 100 years.

Thanks to our rapid construction technology, we can build new permanent buildings and avoid temporary premises.

Importance of the circular economy

We are an ecologically sustainable builder. The most significant advantages of our FIXCEL® steel cell modules are the light weight, strength and insulation of the frame material. Thanks to its insulated structure, buildings require less energy than normal to heat. We invest in recyclable, carefully selected and high-quality building materials.

Our buildings can be reused due to their flexible and transferable nature. When necessary, we can modify the buildings to meet customer needs, either by adding or removing modules.

Increasingly carbon-neutral future

We work consistently to reduce our CO2 load. Since 2020, in cooperation with L&T, we have completely nullified the CO2 load of our waste management. Our industrial production and construction techniques are optimised to minimise material waste.

During the service life of our buildings, we reduce the carbon footprint not only through energy efficiency, but also through the use of adaptable and durable building materials. At the end of the service life, we reduce the climate load by reusing and recycling materials and building components.

Sustainable work community

Our personnel are our valuable asset, which is why we invest in their occupational safety and wellbeing, as well as develop our working methods. We believe that our customers’ goals are achieved by working together, with respect for the individual.

We work with our partners and stakeholders for more sustainable construction. We work together to make more sustainable material choices by investing in recyclable, carefully selected and high-quality building materials.