The styles of prefabricated, modular, prebuilt homes have advanced greatly in the past decade or so. No longer are they dull, flatpack homes that all look the same and offer a cheap yet rigid solution. These days there are plenty of innovative and wonderfully designed prebuilt homes that also provide an environmentally friendly way to live, as we’ve previously mentioned when looking at the future of green homes. But what is it that really makes prefabricated homes a green choice?
Energy Efficient Savings
Prefabricated houses are considered more energy efficient than traditional properties as they are designed with energy savings in mind and built in controlled factory settings, making them more airtight than onsite constructed properties. This means they are created with the optimal insulation layout, plus most models are relatively small and therefore use less energy.
Other features they are built with include LED lighting, the top Energy Star appliances and solar panels. However, it can be argued that the energy spent transporting prefabricated homes makes them less efficient, and that things such as LED lights and solar panels can be installed in traditional homes with the right RS Components tools and knowledge. Yet to make sure more homes are as energy efficient as possible and not rely on individuals making such changes, this provides a reliable solution.
Waste Reduction
There is no need for excess materials that will go to waste with prefabricated homes, as they are designed and built to specific measurements in factories. This cuts the waste on site as well, as they are assembled according to strict guidelines. Renovation and construction waste can have a significant impact on landfill across the world, so eliminating this makes prefabricated homes a truly eco-conscious option.
According to research, the prefabrication of trusses, frames and other parts of these homes can reduce waste by 52%. Not only that, but they also reduce water waste in their designs. Grouping together areas that need water (mainly the bathroom and kitchen) means shorter pipes that saves on materials and reduces heat loss in the transportation of water between rooms and appliances.
Renewable Energy and Healthy Designs
A lot of existing, onsite properties weren’t designed with the future and renewable energy in mind. That’s why especially with a lot of really old homes it can be hard or impossible to set up solar panels and hook them up to water and electricity systems. With prefabricated houses that are designed with these already in place or so that they can be easily added, this isn’t a problem. Eco-extras like green and wildflower roofs can be added for the greenest choice.
These also make modular houses a lot healthier. With such a big focus on creating sustainable homes, non-toxic or low VOC materials are often used in their construction as well. This can be better for the environment not just in the building process but also once they are up and in use, having a positive impact on the home’s tenants and visitors.
Built from Sustainable Materials
Prefabricated homes usually use recycled building materials for some of the main structural elements, including internal walls, insulation and roofs. FSC certified wood is often used, providing a sustainable source, along with other recycled materials. You can always check with where you order any modular homes from to make sure it is as sustainable as possible.
As designs for prefabricated homes advance, more are using bamboo and other wood that grows quicker and is therefore easier to sustain than others. While the smaller stature of most means that less is used overall, leaving more sustainable materials to create other homes.
If you’re considering a new environmentally friendly home in the future then a prefabricated one could be the best solution.
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