There are several reasons why modular buildings are up to 20% less costly than conventionally built structures. In this installment, we examine the fifth reason behind the cost savings associated with modular buildings: less site disturbance and environmental impact.
Conventional construction projects pose significant environmental risks that developers and contractors must manage during the construction process. Construction projects that fail to control pollution can cause damage to waterways and wetlands, kill fish, upset aquatic ecological systems and wildlife communities, and contaminate land and groundwater. To address the environmental impact of construction, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines for environmental construction management. Additionally, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) offers LEED credits for minimizing site disturbance and effective construction site management. Many of these costly environmental impact issues can be mitigated through the use of modular construction.
Stormwater discharges from construction activities (clearing, grading, excavating, and stockpiling) are regulated under regional ordinances and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program. Construction sites must obtain stormwater discharge permits from the local or state government or directly through the EPA. General contractors are responsible for preventing stormwater pollution risks, including erosion, sediment, and construction-related pollutants such as gasoline, diesel, hydraulic fluid, oil, fertilizers, and acid wash agents. Failure to comply with local construction site runoff requirements may result in temporary work stoppages, forfeiture of bonds, monetary fines, or other enforcement actions. Stormwater pollution management plans are another thing general contractors must plan for and manage, and they are an additional expense added to the bottom line of each construction project.
Modular construction significantly reduces the overall duration, site disturbance, and environmental impact of a construction project. It requires fewer workers, machines, traffic, equipment, and inventory at the construction site for the duration of the project. With the primary part of construction happening off-site, Palomar’s modular construction strategy helps reduce the environmental impact and associated management costs.
