Simon Humphreys
Research Subjects
Simon Humphreys has a total of 7 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Ana Bras
BEST Research Institute, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University
1 shared publication - Deelaram Nangir
School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
1 shared publication - Georgios Nikitas
School of Transportation and Civil Engineering, Nantong School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
1 shared publication - Maria Ferentinou
Department of Built Environment, Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
1 shared publication - Michaela Gkantou
BEST Research Institute, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University
1 shared publication - Mike Riley
BEST Research Institute, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
Life Cycle Assessment of Modular Steel Construction for Sustainable Social Housing in the UK
The UK faces an urgent challenge to simultaneously accelerate housing delivery and reduce whole-life carbon emissions, yet robust empirical evidence on the carbon performance of modular steel housing remains limited. This study aims to quantify the carbon impacts of a modular light-gauge steel frame social housing dwelling in the UK and to benchmark its performance against contemporary low-carbon construction typologies. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted using primary project data from a real modular housing development, with embodied carbon modelled in One Click LCA and operational energy assessed through SAP 10.2-verified datasets. The results indicate a total whole-life carbon footprint of 91.3 tCO2e over a 50-year period, with embodied emissions (A1–A3) accounting for 38.2% and operational energy and water use contributing 48.1%. The normalised embodied carbon intensity of 366 kgCO2e/m2 (A1–A5) is comparable to recent high-performing cross-laminated timber buildings, demonstrating that optimised modular steel systems can allow for low-carbon outcomes typically associated with bio-based construction. Sensitivity analysis shows that low-carbon foundation concrete, bio-based insulation, and steel optimisation can reduce upfront emissions by approximately 8–10%. Dynamic energy simulations were also used to assess how different design choices influence operational carbon emissions. This study provides transparent, real-project evidence of the whole-life carbon performance of UK modular light-gauge steel frame housing and identifies practical design strategies for further decarbonisation. The findings support informed decision-making for policymakers, designers, and housing providers seeking scalable, low-carbon residential solutions.
Open AccessLife Cycle Assessment of Modular Steel Construction for Sustainable Social Housing in the UK
The UK faces an urgent challenge to simultaneously accelerate housing delivery and reduce whole-life carbon emissions, yet robust empirical evidence on the carbon performance of modular steel housing remains limited. This study aims to quantify the carbon impacts of a modular light-gauge steel frame social housing dwelling in the UK and to benchmark its performance against contemporary low-carbon construction typologies. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted using primary project data from a real modular housing development, with embodied carbon modelled in One Click LCA and operational energy assessed through SAP 10.2-verified datasets. The results indicate a total whole-life carbon footprint of 91.3 tCO2e over a 50-year period, with embodied emissions (A1–A3) accounting for 38.2% and operational energy and water use contributing 48.1%. The normalised embodied carbon intensity of 366 kgCO2e/m2 (A1–A5) is comparable to recent high-performing cross-laminated timber buildings, demonstrating that optimised modular steel systems can allow for low-carbon outcomes typically associated with bio-based construction. Sensitivity analysis shows that low-carbon foundation concrete, bio-based insulation, and steel optimisation can reduce upfront emissions by approximately 8–10%. Dynamic energy simulations were also used to assess how different design choices influence operational carbon emissions. This study provides transparent, real-project evidence of the whole-life carbon performance of UK modular light-gauge steel frame housing and identifies practical design strategies for further decarbonisation. The findings support informed decision-making for policymakers, designers, and housing providers seeking scalable, low-carbon residential solutions.