Best Practices
Modular Buildings Are Eco-Friendlier and Save on Energy Costs
We have previously pointed out that there are a lot of green construction trends shaping the industry. One that we didn’t mention at the time was the growing demand for modular buildings.
The market for modular buildings is worth over $85 billion. There are a lot of practical benefits of modular buildings, but one of the biggest is that they are more sustainable. This is due to the fact that they are more energy efficient.
Modular buildings are temporary buildings that are made off-site and then set up where they are needed. They are also called prefab structures, and they can be used in institutions and homes. For decades, prefab structures have been in, and in an effort to save money, they have evolved into energy-efficient structures.
Many sectors are now taking advantage of modular temporary buildings. They include logistic warehouses, showrooms, hospitals, restaurants and cafes, and many more. There are many reasons people support them. Modular construction is especially popular for companies that want to protect the planet since they have lower carbon footprints.
So, can you save energy with modular temporary buildings? The insights below will help us answer these questions.
Eco-Friendly Designs
Modular buildings are designed and prepared in a factory. About 90% of the work is done off-site. With time, experts in temporary buildings have come up with an innovative and eco-friendly approach that saves energy in many ways. Smart-Space experts in the UK design their modular temporary buildings with energy-saving concepts in the mind. Here are some of the considerations that such experts make to ensure that their products are eco-friendly.
· Natural ventilation and lighting – A lot of energy is used on HVAC and lighting of structures, especially if they are used every moment. But with modular temporary buildings that have large windows and appropriate ventilation, it is possible to save on electricity. Professionals in these structures ensure that they make them with these features while meeting your needs as well.
· Insulation – Most modular structures are insulated with natural materials depending on the region they are used in. This helps to save electricity energy that would be used to heat or cool the structures during extreme weather. Such structures are perfect for perishable or any goods that are sensitive to extreme weather.
· Use of solar energy – You have probably seen modular structures that come with ready solar panels on the roof. This means that they can be used in areas with no electricity, especially when responding to emergencies such as floods. Solar means no electricity bills at the end of the month. Such structures also come with energy-saving accessories such as bulbs.
· Use of recycled materials – In an effort to be more eco-friendly, most modular temporary buildings are made of recycled materials. They could be made of alloy metals, wood, fabric, or PVC panels. Such initiatives save energy in production, setup, and through low maintenance.
Customized Designs
If you are energy conscious, you can have modular temporary buildings that are customized to suit your needs. Whether it is a modular home, factory, or retail shop, the experts will first discuss your needs then proceed to fabricate them.
As such, you can install all energy-saving features in your structures. It all starts with technology that promotes energy efficiency. First, the large size of clear span buildings and temporary tents used in showrooms, factories, warehouses, and schools allow free flow of air. However, they can also be installed with energy-efficient HVAC systems using power from solar.
What’s more is that you can choose modular structures with 100% LED lighting that is very energy efficient. That’s not all, sensors that switch off lights when no one is around are now used to make these customized temporary buildings more energy efficient.
If your structure needs hot water for operations, for example in a food processing factory, restaurant, or café, you can customize your structures to come with solar water heaters. This will ultimately save a lot of energy at the end of the day.
If you choose your modular structures well and customize them appropriately, you will further save energy with little or no maintenance. That is why it is crucial to think about your needs well.
Conclusion
If you are still wondering whether or not you can save energy with modular structures, the answer is yes. We have already seen how through the above insights. Modular and temporary buildings have numerous benefits apart from saving energy. So, consider them today.