Modular housing manufacturer Boutique Modern has been awarded the status of a B Corporation – a UK first in the modular construction industry.
Boutique Modern says achieving B Corporation status demonstrates a genuine commitment to social responsibility.
B Corportation status is a global accreditation for companies that meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance purpose with profit.
Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, said: “We’re very proud to be the first modular construction company in the UK to have been certified as a B Corporation.
“This recognises the values and aims which are deep-rooted in the company’s ethos and, more importantly, recognises the principles that we have put into practice and consistently delivered over the years.
“Our model is focused on positive local impact at a relatively small scale in the modular industry; however, it is this scale which enables us to have the most impact in the communities where we’re based.”
Shone continued: “This certification is testament to the systems that we have developed since the inception of the business nearly a decade ago.
“We apply a ‘fabric first’ approach to our build system – this means we focus on achieving a high-performance building envelope before adding mechanical and electrical options to improve the performance of the building.
“We’re therefore able to design a practical renewables strategy to each individual project and ensure no expense is wasted on technology which may not suit a particular site, saving our customers money.”
Operating predominantly in the south east of England, Boutique Modern works with local authorities and housing associations to deliver affordable and sustainable social housing.
Sarah Roberts, Commercial Business project manager for Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils, said: “It was a great experience working with a developer that sets the bar for social housing and care for its community.
“Boutique Modern provided a stress-free work experience, and quality is assured with the scheme delivered on budget, making our job easier.
“Helping to address the housing challenges we face in Newhaven by providing 13 families on the waiting list with a new home was rewarding for all parties involved.
“Of course, the main objective is to build affordable housing for local residents, but the consideration and measures taken to care for the natural environment also positively align with the council’s vision for the area.
“We were really impressed with Boutique Modern’s long-term commitment to the area and hope to work together again in the future.”
Based in Newhaven, Boutique Modern is a modular building manufacturer that specialises in housing products for local authorities and housing associations.
Its ambition is to provide truly sustainable housing products and maximise value for money for partners and clients.
The business is currently driven by five key goals to reach by 2025: carbon neutrality across the organisation, 1,500 new homes in the South of England, 500 new employment opportunities, 1.5m kWh of consumed electricity saved, and reduction in material waste from the factory to below 3%.
Image: Exterior view of Boutique Modern’s Palmerstone House
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