The construction industry is one of the most necessary sectors in the world. It’s also one of the most common culprits of energy waste and pollution. In comparison to the traditional method, modular construction is the more sustainable option.
Modular construction entails partial building in a controlled, off-site location, like a factory. Then, workers can transport the structure to the site and complete assembly. This process saves energy and helps the environment. Here’s why.
Less Waste
Construction can be a messy profession. Workers require countless materials to properly construct a building. As these resources add up, so does the amount of waste the project produces. Whether it’s building materials like cement and metal or energy and water waste, construction sites have a lot to manage.
Modular construction can help. Since it’s in a confined, controlled location, experts can plan better. In this environment, experts can use business information modeling (BIM) to get a better idea of how to create the project. This software provides modeling technology where experts can factor in all different types of features — from natural lighting to sustainable materials.
With BIM software, planning becomes an invaluable step in creating an environmentally-friendly project. It reduces errors and finetunes procedures. Therefore, contractors reduce waste output when they only use what they need and don’t have to rebuild later.
Energy Conservation
Energy conservation is a necessary step for reducing carbon emissions and pollution. Building in a factory can help this step in two different ways. First, the process of building requires a sustainable approach. Again, with BIM, builders can focus on the greenest ways to build their projects. From self-healing bacterial concrete to electric vehicles, modular building makes using energy-saving alternatives easy.
The second way to conserve energy is through the actual design of the project. Take a modular building or office, for instance. As contractors assemble the project, they can gear it towards tech-based sustainability. Planning for natural lighting, renewable energy and energy-saving devices are all necessities to be environmentally-friendly.
This form of conservation is easier with modular building. Planning from the beginning, instead of rebuilding or even retrofitting, is the most efficient and sustainable option. An eco-friendly project is one that experts build sustainably that also enforces green practices.
Fewer Carbon Emissions
Depending on the energy source, energy usage and electricity can result in carbon emissions. If a facility uses natural gas or another fossil fuel, all power consumption will translate to emissions. Building in the controlled factory will first and foremost use less power, resulting in fewer emissions.
With the resources readily available for workers, there’s no need to go back and forth from the construction site to the home base for parts and materials. Plus, the only transportation emissions will be from the one-time move from the factory to the site.
Construction and buildings account for 39% of energy-related CO2 emissions. This number must continue to decrease to meet growing sustainability demands. Using modular construction, BIM and sustainable resources, the construction industry can account for a global decrease in energy waste and carbon pollution.
Safer Working Conditions
Contractors have safer working conditions with modular construction, too. In terms of the seasons and weather, outdoor construction can be dangerous. Extreme heat or cold are less than ideal conditions to work in — moving inside with modular building is much more efficient. Additionally, working up high, especially in dangerous weather, can be potentially life-threatening.
These detriments lead to a slower project timeline, therefore using more energy. With better safety in a controlled facility, workers have improved conditions. They can then perform their best, most sustainable work while wasting less.
Modular Construction Sustainability
Both modular construction and sustainability are growing in popularity and necessity. Combining the two makes for the most efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process. As a result, an industry with some of the highest pollution and waste levels can become a sustainable practice.
