More than ever before modular construction in Africa is gaining pace. Proponents of this method say it is cheaper and smart compared to other construction methods.
Many home owners can tell that modular building is cheaper and less time consuming to erect compared with traditional construction methods a move that has attracted many people in Africa consider modular buildings.
However it also brings with it a raft of sustainability benefits as well. Construction Review Online takes a look at three ways in which modular buildings are a lot more environmentally friendly compared to traditionally constructed buildings.
1. Use Less Energy
Almost 90 % of the modular construction is done off site and hence bringing in the term prefabricated buildings.
With this approach, there is significantly less disturbance to the environment surrounding the construction site. Due to the fact these buildings are prefabricated in a controlled factory environment, there is negligible wastage of materials resources and highly efficient use of energy. It takes almost 50 percent less time for the building to be complete compared to a traditionally constructed building.
Furthermore, modular buildings are installed with energy efficient systems for example energy efficient glass, geothermal systems, solar panels and other green features. As a result, not only is the actual construction of the building green, but the long-term running of the building also works out to be quite sustainable. Not only can modular construction reduce energy consumption during the building process by around 67 percent, it also reduces energy costs for its occupants.
2. Recycled Materials
Technology has made it possible for us to recycle almost anything. Modular buildings are constructed with recycled (and recyclable) materials for the most part. Recycled steel, recycled wood and even recycled glass are a large part of what makes up a modular building. For instance, Mobile Modular uses 100 percent recyclable glue-less carpet tiles made from post consumer materials. Granted, not every part of the building can be made of recycled material, but all these parts can certainly be reused over and over again without seeing much wear and tear.
3. Modular Buildings are Recyclable Buildings
Modular buildings are called “portable buildings” for a reason. They can literally be transported from one place to another without having to go through the process of demolition. The term “modular” comes from the fact that these buildings are built one module (or unit) at a time and are then assembled on site. So, it stands to reason that they can also be dismantled. This makes it very easy to take down the building without disturbing the surrounding environment with dust, debris and other unwanted pollutants.
4 Cost saving
Most of the people considering the modular building will of course give cost saving as one of the major reasons to why they chose to build prefab building .
This is bring about by saving labor because everything is almost done in the factory. To this end modular construction in Africa will continue to burgeon as construction industry booms.
