Construction methods that are traditional face many challenges when it comes down to handling, creating, and recycling waste materials, important link! According to a NAHB report, a building of 2,000 square feet can generate 8,000 pounds of waste. All of these materials would be used to build a house: wood, bricks, insulation, drywall etc. According to The American Institute of Architects, however, less than 20% of the leftover materials from construction are actually repurposed and recycled. The AIA also states, “between 25 and 40 percent of national solid waste is believed to be building waste.” In 2009, the Construction Materials Recycling Association estimated construction and demolition debris from new building construction to be around 325,000,000 tons per year. What are the alternatives that companies can use to become more environmentally friendly in a world where greener options are being pushed for across every aspect of our lives?
Modular Sustainability
Modular construction allows for more environmentally friendly and accountable building techniques. The modular construction process is based on a “mass customization” method. The same panels that were used in one building to construct a modular structure can be snap-fitted into another. You can design your building however you like! Any paneling that is left over after an installation can be reused on another project. They won’t need to move them long distances because they are all built within their facilities. This ensures that they don’t go to waste. Modular builders can map all of their projects using CAD software, which allows them to know exactly how much material is needed for each project.
In comparison with traditional construction, the factory environment allows us to control inventory better and to regulate working conditions. The modular construction method is indoors and prevents damage by reducing moisture in the materials. The project site will be prepared for installation while employees are constructing the building inside. This means that the construction site is less disturbed by foot traffic, machines, materials, and equipment when both processes are happening simultaneously.
The same panels that allow for mass customization also support recycling. Buildings are easily assembled and disassembled. The paneling of a building can be reused instead of demolished, as is the case with traditional construction. Deconstruction waste can be drastically reduced. The structures can also be repositioned, which means that the same structure could serve a different purpose.