The construction sector is one of the largest contributors to global CO₂ emissions. Traditional methods often involve long building times, inefficient material use, and heavy transport movements — all of which add up to a significant environmental footprint. Prefab and modular construction offer a smarter, greener alternative. By combining efficiency, circularity, and innovation, these methods can cut emissions in half while delivering high-quality buildings.
Why modular construction is more efficient
Unlike traditional building, where everything is constructed on-site, modular construction takes place largely in a controlled factory environment. Walls, floors, roofs, and even complete bathrooms or kitchens are pre-built, transported, and quickly assembled on location.
This parallel approach — site preparation and module production happening at the same time — saves 30 to 50% of construction time. Fewer machines, shorter schedules, and less transport directly mean lower CO₂ emissions.
Less waste, more reuse
Prefab and modular methods are designed for precision. Because modules are produced in factories, materials are measured and cut with minimal waste. Studies show that waste can be reduced by up to 90% compared to traditional construction sites.
Even more importantly, modular units are fully demountable and reusable. Instead of demolishing, buildings can be dismantled and reused in new projects. This extends the lifecycle of materials and reduces demand for raw resources — a major step towards a circular economy.
Energy-efficient buildings by design
Prefab housing units aren’t just efficient to build — they’re also more energy-efficient to live in. Thanks to airtight construction, high-grade insulation, and modern installations like heat pumps and solar panels, modular buildings consume less energy during use. This not only lowers operational CO₂ emissions but also cuts costs for residents and property owners.
A contribution to climate goals
Smarter, greener, faster
- Faster delivery (up to 50% quicker)
- Lower CO₂ and nitrogen emissions
- Minimal waste and full reusability of materials
- Reliable, factory-controlled quality
- Flexible and scalable design options
Building the future together
At Van den Nagel Modular Construction, we’re committed to creating solutions that not only meet today’s housing and infrastructure needs but also contribute to a greener tomorrow. Every project we deliver — whether temporary housing, modular schools, or residential complexes — is built with sustainability, speed, and quality at its core.
Research shows that prefab and modular construction results in an average of 40–50% less CO₂ emissions compared to traditional methods. This is due to more efficient material use, fewer transport movements, and shorter construction times.
Because modules are produced in the factory while the site is being prepared, multiple processes can run in parallel. This reduces construction time by 30 to 50%, which also means less emissions from machinery and transport.
Yes, modular buildings are fully dismantlable and reusable. Up to 90% of materials can be reused, which reduces raw material consumption and lowers CO₂ emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Prefab and modular buildings are typically equipped with modern insulation, airtight construction, and sustainable installations such as heat pumps. As a result, they consume less energy and emit significantly less CO₂ during the use phase.
The Netherlands aims for a fully circular construction economy by 2050. Modular building perfectly supports this by enabling reuse, reduced emissions, and lower environmental impact, making it a concrete step towards meeting national climate targets.
