MPBA development director Richard Hipkiss explains how the new Roadmap to Net Zero was developed, why it matters and how it positions modular construction at the forefront of the UK’s low carbon future
Marking a defining moment for offsite construction, the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), together with its members, has launched the industry’s first Roadmap to Net Zero.
This landmark initiative sets out a clear, collaborative pathway for the UK’s non-domestic modular and portable building sector to achieve whole-life carbon neutrality by 2050.
A clear vision for a resilient, low carbon sector
The Roadmap to Net Zero represents more than ambition; it is a practical framework designed to guide real, measurable change. One year ago, the MPBA established our Sustainability Committee with a clear mandate: to steer the sector toward a greener, more resilient future while ensuring members are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to act.
From the outset, the committee focused on three core priorities:
- Understanding the specific sustainability challenges facing the modular sector.
- Assessing current progress, both collectively and within individual organisations.
- Developing a practical, sector-wide implementation plan that delivers real impact.
This structured approach has ensured that sustainability is embedded into business reality, not treated as an abstract aspiration.
Whole-life carbon at the heart of net zero
Central to the committee’s work is the development of a clear, sector-specific definition of net zero, with a strong emphasis on whole-life carbon. This approach enables members to understand and manage the full carbon footprint of their buildings – from material sourcing and manufacturing through to use, relocation, reuse or end-of-life.
By looking beyond design and production alone, the roadmap reflects the true environmental impact of modular buildings and reinforces the sector’s greatest strengths – adaptability and longevity.
Expert insight driving practical action
Supporting the committee is a team of leading sustainability specialists, including Net Positive Solutions, Green Thinking and Lifecycle Sustainability. Their involvement brings cutting-edge technical knowledge, real-world insight and robust methodologies to the roadmap, ensuring its recommendations are both ambitious and achievable.
Early feedback from MPBA members demonstrates strong engagement and commitment. More than 80% of respondents to the association’s sustainability survey confirmed that net zero is central to their business strategy. Notably, almost half of members have already undertaken Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) or Embodied Carbon Assessments, highlighting meaningful progress across the sector.
A roadmap built for delivery
One of the Sustainability Committee’s most significant achievements is the creation of a structured roadmap to 2050. This long-term plan sets out clear milestones, priorities and actions, empowering members to reduce emissions and improve sustainability at every stage of the building lifecycle.
Far from being a static document, the roadmap is designed to evolve alongside the sector, supporting continuous improvement and encouraging collaboration between
manufacturers, suppliers and partners.
Proving the whole-life carbon advantage
Over the next 12 months, the MPBA and its members will play a central role in pioneering research led by Swansea University focused on evidencing the whole-life carbon benefits of modular and portable buildings.
By harnessing data from across the sector, the MPBA will work closely with researchers to develop a dedicated methodology aligned with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS) for modular construction. This initiative will strengthen consistency, improve knowledge sharing and capture best practice across the industry.
While upfront carbon impacts are increasingly well understood, the long-term operational benefits of modular buildings are not so widely documented. This research will address that gap, providing robust, credible evidence of the sector’s true environmental performance.
From commitment to credibility
Building on the momentum of the Sustainability Committee, the MPBA will soon introduce a Net Zero Charter for members. This will set out clear commitments, milestones and responsibilities, offering a transparent framework for action and a visible mark of credibility for clients and stakeholders.
By developing sector-specific guidance, tools and benchmarks, the MPBA will help standardise approaches to measuring whole life carbon and align the industry with national net zero standards.
Shaping a sustainable future together
With strong member engagement, expert support and a clear, actionable roadmap, the MPBA is leading the modular and portable building sector toward a truly net zero future. This collaborative effort reinforces modular construction’s role not just as a faster, more efficient way to build – but as a cornerstone of sustainable development in the UK.
To learn more and download the MPBA’s Roadmap to Net Zero, visit: https://mpba.biz/posts/2080/mpba-launchesroadmap-to-net-zero-a-whole-life-carbon-approach-forthe-modular-and-portable-building-sector
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