May 2021

EPDM & Modular Construction
CIRCULAR ECONOMY: CHOOSING
THE RIGHT ROOFING MATERIALS
From electronic goods to clothing, the circular economy concept of reduce, re-use and
recycle has been successfully applied across a multitude of industries – but to a lesser
extent for construction and building components. Adrian Buttress, Managing Director at
Permaroof, explains why he feels EPDM rubber roofing can contribute to circular
construction through modular building.
Circular economy is gaining more attention,
particularly because it brings a potential
solution to the tension between the
growing demand and the limited supply of
materials.
The climate change emergency is the biggest
challenge facing our planet, and it is no secret
that the construction industry consumes a
significant number of global resources and
generates a vast amount of rubbish.
In fact, the sector is the largest consumer of
natural resources and the biggest contributor of
waste. However, it can counteract this – and
improve its reputation – by supporting the shift
towards a circular economy through the use of
more reusable and recyclable building stock.
When we usually talk about the circular economy,
we think of consumer goods with a relatively
short life. However, the principles can be applied
to the construction industry, where the product is
the building itself.
Modular construction – which involves creating
property components in a factory environment
and then transporting the modules to
site to be assembled – perfectly
fits the ideology of circular
economy. It can also
potentially be a key driver in
carbon footprint reduction in the built
environment industry and improve its
sustainability credentials.
And this idea is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Last year, the UK unveiled its Circular Economy
Package, which committed to a 65% municipal
recycling rate by 2035, and in tenders, subcontractors
are being asked to demonstrate their
commitment to waste reduction.
Creating sustainable cities
Due to its resource and waste
reduction, reusability,
Left: Adrian Buttress, MD Permaroof.
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