Key advantages and challenges of European modular construction explored in PBC webinar

On 30th January, a panel of experts from the modular construction industry, in collaboration with PBC Today, came together to explore the challenges and key opportunities for the modular sector in Europe in the next five years

Hosted by the Modular Building Institute, the panel was led by Tom Hardiman CAE, executive director of the Modular Building Institute.

Bostjan Jevsek, the international business development director of PivaGroup, and Ewelina Woźniak-Szpakiewicz, the chief executive officer of DMDmodular, joined him on the panel.

Throughout the course of the webinar, poll questions were asked to the audience for discussion on various relevant topics, such as key drivers and barriers to growth in the modular construction industry.

The modular construction industry in Europe

To kick off the webinar, Bostjan Jevsek began by discussing an overview of the modular construction industry in Europe.

The European modular construction industry, valued at approximately €17bn, has witnessed remarkable growth, outpacing traditional construction due to time efficiency.

Bostjan noted that key advantages of modular construction include time efficiency through parallel processes, quality control in controlled factory settings, and sustainability with reduced environmental impact.

Bostjan also highlighted that modular buildings showcase flexibility in both cost and reusability, fostering long-term value and reducing environmental impact.

However, challenges were acknowledged, such as economic fluctuations and geopolitical factors influencing demand.

Notably, several years ago, during a refugee crisis in Europe, there was a substantial increase in the demand for modular buildings, particularly for shelters, living quarters, schools, and hospitals.

Implementing circular strategies

Bostjan then handed over to Ewelina Woźniak-Szpakiewicz, who discussed how the modular construction industry can implement circular strategies, and its benefits.

Now more than ever, there is a demand for implementing circular strategies, and it has importance environmentally, socially, and in governance.

In her presentation, Ewelina discussed how the circular approach is a pivotal strategy for reshaping the construction industry and has become a leading factor in investment decisions within the real estate sector, surpassing changing customer demands, and pressure from investors, banks and tenants.

As building construction is responsible for approximately 40% of primary energy use, 26% of material and resource use, and 35% of waste generation, the implementation of a circular economy strategy is one solution to help minimize this impact.

In her presentation, Ewelina outlined how DMDmodular is contributing to closing the loops of energy, waste, and water cycles by outlining the phases of sustainable materials prioritisation through a series of case studies.

Watch the full presentation below!

MBI also announced the upcoming dates for World of Modular, the modular industry’s largest gathering, which will return from March 18-21 in Orlando, Florida.

Learn more about the World of Modular here.