In 1998, the Egan Report recommended measures for new, efficient construction practice for the 21st century. As a result, social landlords are increasingly using ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMC) to meet high sustainability and environmental targets.
Epps Construction was involved in developing these methods from their ground-breaking inception, working with a local housing society to achieve sustainable specifications. In the process, the company experimented with various forms of modular or pre-fabricated systems and with products designed to give high thermal efficiency and low environmental impact.
This comprehensive development programme resulted in a number of innovations. They include ‘breathable’ timber frames, cellulose insulation, heat recovery ventilation and recyclable materials. The programme achieved ‘U’ values that were then far lower than Building Regulation Part L requirements and remain competitive to this day. Epps Construction also explored such innovative building systems as:

• New types of timber frame, including open panel, closed panel (SIPs) and ‘stick build’.
• Volumetric or pre-fitted and pre-finished modular systems
• Advanced masonry systems based on thin bed blocks with pre-cast accessories
• Insulated concrete forms (ICF)
• Steel frame construction

Modern Methods of Construction are now combined with heat pumps, thermal and photovoltaic systems and innovative water storage and saving methods, all of which help to meet the increasing demands of environmental targets. Epps’ considerable experience in developing and utilising these cutting edge building methods make the company well capable of meeting the building aims of the future. These include the Code for Sustainable Homes, an environmental impact rating system for housing, and the ultimate target of creating zero-carbon buildings by 2016.