Advantages Of Portable Buildings In Today's Climate

We only used to see portable and modular buildings on building sites. They were shabby and with poor construction. Portable buildings have moved on substantially in recent years. Now schools are using them for extra classroom space and businesses are using them to extend office and storage space. Other uses are mobile toilets, marketing suites, surgeries and clinics. Portable buildings come in a wide range of models specifications and sizes, each for different functions and even multi-storey. Once inside a portable building, it is impossible to tell you are in a temporary structure with their suspended ceilings, fitted carpets and decorated walls.

Pre-owned structures are an even bigger advantage in terms of both cost effectiveness and environmentally. Pre-owned modular buildings have been recognised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as being extremely environmentally friendly compared with an equivalent new manufactured building. The reason for this is that the embodied energy required to manufacture a modular building is transportable as the embodied energy is locked within the fabric of the building. Therefore the energy contained within pre-owned modular buildings can be transported and relocated to another site. In traditional buildings this is largely lost when they are no longer required and demolished, even when the materials are re-cycled. However, with modular and portable buildings the embodied energy can be relocated along with the modules to another site.

The nature of a temporary structure means it can be installed, moved or sold quickly and easily. Most portable and modular building suppliers offer purchasing and collection services. Collections are carried out under strict health and safety guidelines in compliance with the currently required CDM regulations.

In the current economic climate, this versatile, cost effective and limited risk approach to a business premises or an extension is very advisable. Moving to whole new business premises or building a classroom extension is not viable at present. A temporary structure solves all requirements without compromising on safety or quality. By purchasing a second hand structure, money is saved. This saving can mean a portable building can be adapted to suit the specific need, fitted out with cupboard or partitions and decorated to add to its professionalism. As mentioned above, a second hand structure also has a lower impact on the environment as with most second hand or reused items.

Educating businesses to the advantages of portable and modular buildings is growing as they are realising the cost benefits, adaptability and versatility. That coupled with the environmental advantages. This is especially the case should a company be going for an environmental accreditation such as an ISO14001 or similar.

There are many resources on the internet to find out more about these structures, their benefits and also the building regulations attached with them.