MOD’s new operational training buildings making huge carbon savings
The MOD’s award-winning Net-Zero Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP), which was completed in the summer, is already making carbon savings.
New NetCAP buildings at Castlemartin in Wales. Copyright: Reds10.
The NetCAP has delivered the Defence Training Estate’s (DTE) first carbon negative buildings. The programme is already delivering a 35% reduction in operational carbon and over 9,100 tonnes of embodied carbon.
Over 70 carbon efficient buildings across 11 sites have been delivered as part of the programme, which equates to more than 3,900 new bed spaces being made available across the DTE to support Service personnel as they train for operations worldwide.
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region said:
We are delighted to see the carbon savings that these modern accommodation blocks are making across the DTE. It demonstrates the MOD’s commitment to delivering high-quality accommodation for our serving personnel, which helps them to give their best during their training exercises.
The NetCAP is a testament to the MOD’s commitment to sustainability.
The buildings were delivered by the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) working with industry partner Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and off-site construction specialist Reds10. The accommodation was designed and constructed in Reds10’s East Yorkshire factory, before being transported to site.
Peter Nicol, Programme Director at Landmarc said:
We are committed to supporting the MOD and DIO with their net zero carbon goals. Not only is this investment helping to deliver a more sustainable estate, it also supports the government aim to improve living accommodation for our armed forces.
The new NetCAP buildings are modern, smart and sustainable and are transforming the welfare of troops using the estate to train.
Phil Cook, Defence Director at Reds10, said:
Reds10 is proud to have played a key role in transforming the Defence Training Estate through our innovative off-site construction solutions. By delivering the NetCAP’s carbon-negative buildings, we have not only enhanced the lived experience for our armed forces but also set a new benchmark in sustainable infrastructure.
This programme highlights how modern construction methods and cutting-edge technology can come together to reduce carbon impact while delivering operationally efficient and high-quality facilities for our service personnel.
The Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM) ‘Excellent’ rated NetCAP buildings provide new sustainable accommodation which can be subdivided as necessary. They also include showers, ablutions and drying rooms, all in one modern complex, removing the need for troops to move around different buildings.
A variety of innovative green measures have been implemented across the NetCAP to ensure long-term operational efficiency. These include solar panels on the roof, air source heat pumps, a rainwater harvesting system and a heat recovery system in the showers and drying rooms. This means the buildings will be able to generate power for the site, reducing electricity costs.
The NetCAP also equips its buildings with SMART building technology, which optimises energy use and provides data for improvement, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. This data was used to drive down Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings from 12 to –10 during the early stages of the programme.