Sustainable Modular Construction

Modular construction techniques have been shown to be more environmentally-friendly than traditional stick built construction, yet many people are still unaware of these benefits:

Less Materials Waste - Pre-fabrication makes it possible to optimize construction materials purchases and usage while minimizing on-site waste and offering a higher quality product to the buyer. Bulk materials are delivered to the manufacturing facility where they are stored in a protected environment safe from theft and exposure to the environmental conditions of a job site.

Less Material Exposure to Inclement Weather - Many of the indoor air quality issues identified in new construction result from high moisture levels in the framing materials. Because the modular structure is substantially completed in a factory-controlled setting using dry materials, the potential for high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.

Less Site Disturbance - The modular structure is constructed off-site simultaneous to the foundation and other site work, thereby reducing the time and impact on the surrounding environment, as well as reducing the number of vehicles and equipment needed at the site.

Safer Construction - Modular construction is a safer alternative. Conventional construction workers regularly work in less than ideal conditions, dealing with temperature extremes, rain, wind or any combination thereof. This, by its very nature is a much more challenging environment to work in safely. Off-site construction also eliminates the hazards associated with materials, equipment and an incomplete construction process typical of construction sites, which can attract curious and unwelcome "visitors" (i.e. students on a school expansion project).

Flexibility - When the needs change, modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules relocated or refurbished for their next use, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing the amount of energy expended to create a building to meet the new need.

Adaptability - Modular buildings are frequently designed to quickly add or remove one or more "modules"   minimizing disruptions to adjacent building and surroundings.

Build to Code with Shorter Build Times - The bottom line is that with modular construction, you can get a facility built to the same local codes with construction quality as good as or better than a comparable site built building in much less time. Additionally, the abbreviated construction schedule allows you to get a return on your investment sooner while minimizing the exposure to the risks commonly associated with protracted construction schedules.

Material courtesy of the Modular Building Institute's "Sustainable Modular Construction"