We talk a lot at Vipco about how we help make a difference in communities across Canada – and that starts from the ground up. Working in the modular building space, we know that modular construction can offer many environmental benefits, especially compared to traditional construction methods. In fact, according to The Institution of Engineering & Technology, the “modular construction technique slashes carbon emissions from new buildings” by up to 45% “when compared to traditional construction.”
Some of the ways modular housing can improve the environmental impact of housing construction in Canada include:
- Reduced waste: The modular construction process generates less waste compared to traditional construction methods. Materials are cut and prepared in a factory setting, which results in less scrap material and waste generated on-site. This helps to reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfills.
- Reduced transportation: Modular buildings are built in a factory setting and then transported to the project site, which can help reduce transportation-related emissions because modular projects can require 90% fewer site deliveries than traditional construction. Transportation emissions are quite a large part of the environmental impact of construction, meaning this improvement in efficiency can have a sizeable positive effect on sustainability in construction.
- Reduced site disturbance: Modular construction requires less on-site construction, which can help to reduce the impact on the natural environment. This can be particularly beneficial in sensitive areas or areas with limited access.
- Energy efficiency: Modular homes can often be easily designed and built to be energy-efficient, which can help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Modular homes typically feature a tight building envelope, high-quality insulation, and energy-efficient windows and doors.
- Sustainable materials: Many modular home manufacturers use sustainable materials in their construction, such as recycled content, reclaimed wood, and low-VOC materials. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of the construction process and supports sustainable forestry practices.
Across our organization, we are committed to reducing our own manufacturing footprint by sourcing more environmentally friendly materials, working to improve efficiencies in our logistics and delivery partnerships, and improving our facilities to support our move to a net-zero operation within the next 5 years.
Overall, modular construction offers several environmental benefits that can help to reduce the environmental impact of the construction process and support sustainable building practices. Here at Vipco, we believe in making a difference for communities across Canada, from the ground up. It’s another way we are committed to leading the change we wish to see, helping build a better tomorrow, together.
