135 million tons of waste is roughly the same weight of 14,674 fully-loaded Arleigh Burke-class US Navy Destroyers. Lined end to end, the 509-foot destroyers would stretch almost 1,415 miles, or approximately the distance from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles.
The foundation of this commitment is modular construction which offers a better, more eco-friendly solution.
Modular building is far more efficient in its use of material resources compared to traditional construction.
According to the National Science and Technology Council—the Cabinet-level Council at White House dedicated to the research and application of science and technology—the construction industry accounts for 40% of primary energy consumption and 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Additionally, the council asserts that each year new construction uses 30% of our raw materials and 25% of our water, resulting in 30%—equal to 135 million tons—of waste placed in landfills.
The UK-based Waste & Resources Action Programme has found that off-site manufacturing can reduce waste by up to 90% thanks to the limited use packaging materials like wood pallets, shrink wrap, cardboard, concrete and more.
Further waste reduction is accomplished through the controlled manufacturing environment unique to green modular construction. Repetition in the production process allows material resources to be accurately measured and strategically applied to minimize waste.
New building projects, especially large-scale projects, can have a significant negative impact air quality. Modular construction on the other hand, uses indoor air quality controls to prevent harmful waste from escaping into our environment.
Our EHS and Sourcing teams also pursue more eco-friendly options by actively searching for new green or sustainable building products and solutions. For example, through the use of new low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds also known as greenhouse gasses) paints, ModSpace cut company-wide VOC emissions by more than 50% from 2008 to 2009.
The green aspects of modular building go beyond the manufacturing process and material selection. Modular building requires comparatively less site disruption. This translates to a diminished need for heavy machinery and the resulting emission of greenhouse gasses.
Further, our expansive network of branches are positioned near major highways throughout the US and Canada. By keeping shipping distances to a minimum and combining deliveries and pick-ups whenever possible, we reduce our carbon footprint now and for generations to come.
Quality control is a consistent benefit of green modular construction. Buildings are designed to precise specifications and carefully inspected to verify exact fit and finish. The result is a building that stands the test of time.
Sustainability is dramatically improved with modular construction, compared to conventional building practices. The ability to “deconstruct” and move structures to new locations extends service life through reuse or recycling, according to the American Institute of Architects.
Our commitment to the environment goes beyond the benefits of modular construction. ModSpace aspires to lead the industry in green living. Our corporate office in Berwyn, PA exemplifies this endeavor with a culture that aims to reduce, reuse and recycle.
“Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.”
—EPA definition of green building
As more and more state and local officials adopt green standards for new construction, builders are challenged to deliver new code-compliant structures for less. ModSpace can help!
