In traditional construction, there are many problems when it is about the recycling, handling and creation of waste. NAHB found in a study that construction of a 2500 square foot home creates an estimated 8000 lbs. This waste is made up of materials you’d use in a typical building construction: bricks, wood, insulation and drywall, check this out! The American Institute of Architects reports that only about 20% of all these left-over construction materials is actually repurposed. The AIA further states that it is “estimated that 25 to 40% of solid national waste comes from construction waste”. “[1] The Construction Materials Recycling Association reported that the construction and deconstruction waste generated by building construction accounted for around 325 millions tons in 2009. Which eco-friendly alternatives are available to companies in a time when society constantly strives for greener, more sustainable solutions throughout all walks of life?
Modular Sustainabilities
The methods of construction that are used in modular construction make it possible to build more sustainably and with greater accountability. It is possible to use modular construction by utilizing a mass customization process. To build a module building, panels from an existing building are snapped onto the new building. It is possible to create the building in any way you choose. Consequently, any panels left after a project can be simply used for another. All structures are constructed within the company’s own facility. Therefore, there is no need for them to be shipped long distances. The modular building industry can plan all prefabricated constructions using computer-aided software. This allows the builders to determine the precise amount of materials required for each project.
Construction in a factory also allows better control of our inventory, and we are able to set up the conditions for work. While many construction sites are delayed by bad weather, our modular process is completed indoors. We can keep our moisture content low, and therefore prevent damage. The building is constructed indoors and the site of the project will be set up to install the structure. It is much less disruptive for the site to have these two processes taking place simultaneously.
The panels used in mass customization are also recyclable. They are easy to assemble and deassemble. In other words, when the building no longer serves its purpose, rather than demolish it like with conventional construction, you can take apart the panels and reuse them. The deconstruction can reduce the amount of waste. You can easily move many of the structures to another area to fulfill another function.