How does Modular Construction help the environment?

How does Modular Construction help the environment?

Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site in an environmentally controlled location and then assembled and installed onsite. The construction of these buildings is done using the same materials and it follows the same codes and standards that a conventionally built facility would.

This method of construction has been able to provide a variety of benefits. Firstly, since it’s construction is not subject to weather conditions or daylight hours; variety of the construction work can take place simultaneously like the site and foundation work. This drastically reduces the time taken for the final project to be completed. It mitigates risk as the number of accidents go down in the indoor construction. However, one biggest advantage that modular construction provides is that with regards to sustainability. In this article we look at the ways in which modular construction is beneficial for the environment.

1. Reduces construction waste

There are a variety of ways in which modular construction is reducing waste. Firstly, multiple modules are being constructed together so if there is a material which is left over it can be used for something else or for another project being constructed in the modular construction facility. Similarly, most modular construction today is initially digitized where in the whole building is constructed virtually with exact dimensions and measurements. By using BIM Services specially, the designers and engineers can know the exact quantity of materials, the exact side of components etc., it ensures that every aspect of the building design which is prefabricated offsite actually fits without any errors onsite. This goes a long way in reducing waste and also saves up on any extra materials which would have been consumed during rework. Every year the traditional construction methods generate around 56 million ton of debris and reducing this amount would end up benefiting the environment greatly.

2. Uses eco-friendly materials and components

The offsite location and increased use of machinery allows the architects and engineers to use a wide range of sustainable or recycled materials like wood, steel, aluminum for variety of applications like form siding, frames, roofs etc. Organically grown wood is being increasing used and many countries like Finland, Norway etc. are looking into building complete cities made out of it. The controlled environment also allows for experimentation so that the designers can be more creative and use materials like recycled cardboard to construct their buildings. One such example is Wikkelhouse which is made entirely out of recycled cardboard and is expected to last 100 years.

Modular construction’s impact on environment is not just limited to materials that can be used during construction but also for the environmentally friendly design components that can be adapted. Modular designs can be combined with MEP BIM Services and they can easily be equipped with dimmable LED lights, solar panels, solar water heaters, triple-paned windows etc. It also helps reduce moisture level since modular buildings are completed in factory controlled settings and there is no scope of it being trapped in framing materials.

3. Uses less energy

When the construction is taking place in a controlled factory setting as compared with on- site, a lot of energy is preserved. The energy expenditure on-site is significantly lower in prefabrication as there is no need for heavy machinery, transportation of labour, material, equipment etc. In a report by UN it was found that 39% of global carbon emissions come from construction process onsite. By targeting that area and reducing the emissions then a lot energy can be preserved.

4. They can be Reused or Repurposed

Since modular buildings are not built in the traditional way with the conventional materials they can be disassembled with ease. It can be either dismantled and reassembled in other locations or certain parts can be recycled or reused for new projects. This goes a long way in reducing the heave debris that is generated when buildings are demolished.

Conclusion:

In the time when sustainability has become a major concern modular buildings can provide lasting solutions that prove beneficial throughout the building’s lifecycle. Prefabrication also leads to a high quality, more innovative, efficient, faster and cost-effective buildings.

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