Industrialised Construction: Diversity of Approaches and Their Contribution to Sustainability

Abstract

Industrialised construction is emerging as a key tool to transform the sector towards a more sustainable future. This approach, ranging from the integration of prefabricated solutions into traditional construction to the implementation of fully manufactured off-site modular housing, addresses the growing demands for sustainability and efficiency. By centralising the production of components in controlled environments, industrialised construction offers advantages such as reduced lead times, certainty in timing and cost, and greater control over quality and design. It also promotes more efficient resource use, reduces waste generation, and simplifies maintenance, further strengthening its contribution to environmental sustainability. However, while the concept of industrialised construction shares a common global basis, its interpretation varies from country to country. These variations are influenced by local factors, including the business interests of the companies promoting these systems. Thus, while in some contexts the emphasis is on off-site fabrication and on-site assembly, in others more organisational or productive approaches are prioritised. This paper explores how industrialised construction is defined and applied in different regions and sectors, showing how each approach responds to specific market needs. To objectively assess their contribution to sustainability, it is essential to use indicators that quantify key aspects such as energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, accessibility and occupant well-being. This study examines how the benefits of industrialised construction not only improve building processes, but also how their local variations, conditioned by market interests, align with global sustainability challenges. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.