Circular economy and modular construction: A sustainable future
The construction industry faces major sustainability and efficiency challenges. It has long been clear that pollution and waste production need to be addressed, but how exactly do we do this and most importantly, how do we do it in the most efficient way? In this blog, we look at how modular construction contributes to a sustainable future.
We start with a circular economy that should be pursued today in any sector. This economic system aims to keep products, their components and raw materials in circulation as long as possible while maintaining quality. Simply put, this means replacing the traditional model of "make, use and throw away" with reuse, repair and recycle. In the construction industry, we can start looking at modular construction as we look for a way to pursue this circular economy.
Reuse of materials
In modular construction, prefabricated modules are used. In our SAM, these prefabricated modules are individual cabinet modules into which optional techniques can be incorporated. These modules are easy to disassemble. For example, our SAM is installed 98% glue-free and disassembled with screws. In addition, the fact that the materials are produced in a controlled environment ensures constant build quality and standardized production.
All this allows for the reuse of cabinet modules and plumbing fixtures in other projects, reducing the need for new materials for future SAM projects. This minimizes waste and restores value to materials at the end of their life cycle. This reduces the need to produce new modules and therefore the use of new raw materials. Thus contributing to a more sustainable construction process.
Price reduction through modular construction
Besides the fact that disassembling existing modules is beneficial to the environment, it also reduces the price. We can put the elements back on the market, this time at a lower price, which benefits the customer. Moreover, keeping materials in the cycle means that no additional waste disposal costs have to be paid by the customer.
"Our buy-back program, when used materials are turned in, gives back up to 10% of the purchase value on joinery and up to 30% on plumbing!"
Reduction of construction waste
As we already know by now, construction projects are known to be one of the largest sources of waste. To be specific, about 30 to 40 percent of our waste comes from the construction industry. Therefore, preventing or reducing waste is central when we think about integrating sustainability into the construction industry. Sustainable modular construction allows companies to reduce waste throughout the construction process. Because modular elements, like our SAM for example, are developed off-site in a controlled factory environment with innovative technology that ensures accurate measurements, construction teams can exercise greater control and minimize the waste of materials associated with traditional construction methods.
"SAMs are maximally prefabricated in a controlled, automated factory, which reduces waste and improves recycling rates. Because the modules are delivered ready-to-use, we not only reduce the amount of transportation to and from the construction site, but also drastically reduce waste on the site itself."
If we look at reducing construction waste, our SAM offers an additional advantage in that it is placed on top of the existing structure of the building. This eliminates the need for cutting into the structure of the building and the need to pull pipes into the screed and walls. This not only saves a lot of time and effort, but also significantly reduces waste during installation.
Faster construction times
So we can say that in a circular construction environment much is automated and the influence of external factors, such as weather or the availability of craftsmen, is much more limited. This also means less disruption on the construction site, a more efficient use of resources and therefore less waste of materials and less waste. As a result, a modular home can be installed faster without compromising quality.
At the SAM, this results in completion three months faster on average than traditional construction methods, which also provides price savings. In short, reusing, repairing and recycling in a circular economy is the message for tomorrow's construction industry!
After reading this blog, do you also want to choose space-saving and sustainable living? Then discover the versatility of our SAM! Book an appointment via this link and let's see together what added value SAM can offer in your project!