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The climate emergency has focused minds on the environment, and, as a result, the strive to be greener and more sustainable is evident across all industries. Working in a more eco-friendly way is increasingly being seen as a moral obligation and the construction industry is no exception.
Sustainable alternatives to traditional methods are being sought leading to a preference for using modern building techniques. But what is MMC in construction and how are our products here at Intelligent Membranes relevant? Our founder and CEO, Adam White has the answers.
What is MMC in Construction?
Modern Methods of construction also known as MMC in construction is a broad range of things. Everyone thinks it’s just building containers and houses in a factory and then transporting them to site all kitted out. That’s just not the case. MMC in construction can be anything new that can speed up the process on-site and is more sustainable than traditional methods. For example, it could be normal timber frame, timber frame SIPS (structural insulated panels), light gauge steel, or a panelised system like the one that we use in our factory at White Haus.
Can Intelligent Membranes Products Be Used In Modern Methods of Construction?
The answer is yes – and our panelised system is a good example. We use our expertise to put together the timber frame and cladding before putting the windows in. The work is done off-site, then transported on-site and constructed like a kind of Ikea house.
Another good example of our products being used for MMC in construction is our partnership with Innovare Systems who are the largest SIPS company in the UK. They construct in the factory then send the products out to site.
They use our liquid applied membranes to ensure their build is airtight before it leaves the factory – it gives them peace of mind that, when the structure arrives on site, it is 100% airtight and ready to use.
How Are Intelligent Membranes Products More Sustainable?
A question we often get asked is “How are your products sustainable” and it’s always best to give examples.
Our panelised system is a more sustainable way to build because everything is put together off-site in the factory and transported. As a result, there’s less time on site, fewer contractors going back and forth in vehicles delivering materials, and overall less waste. The other big benefit is that all offcuts can be used for other builds.
When it comes to our liquid applied membranes, the key thing is that they reduce plastic waste. Companies will spray their structure with Passive Purple internal and external so once it leaves the production line it is watertight and protected, so there is no need to add any plastic protection. The alternative method means you’re wrapping off reams and reams of plastic which leads to plastic waste – our product takes away the need for that.
