Modular Green Building Trend Gaining Momentum in Media

In journalism circles, scooping the New York Times is about as difficult as determining when someone in the U.S. Congress is lying (hint: their lips are moving). Let's just say, the old gray lady ain't as fast on her feet as she once was. So we had to chuckle at Bob Vila website crowing that they pointed out modular homes were green before the New York Times did. That's like pointing out to your grandmother that her stockings are sagging (and then she replies that she's not wearing stockings).

At the risk of piling on, Building Systems pointed out as early as 2006 and again in 2007 in our Green Building Guide that modular homes were eco-friendly long before the sustainable movement grew the green catch phrase.

Here are a just few reasons why going modular is the easy answer to building green for both builders and home buyers:

"Green" Principle: Resource Efficiency
• Reduce quantity of materials and waste by building in a factory environment
• Efficient floor plans
• Utilization of open web floor trusses vs. solid dimension lumber at 19.2" O.C.
• Two stud corner framing
• Elimination of jack studs at interior partitions
• Single top plate at non-bearing walls
• Detailed framing plan provided for construction
• Use of composite studs
• Use recycled content material
• Drywall utilized is recycled gypsum
• Recycle waste material
• Drywall waste is shipped to manufacturer for recycling
• Cardboard is bailed and shipped for recycling
• Suppliers are requested to ship product with reduced packaging
• Wood scrap is shipped to produce electricity
• Drywall utilized is recycled gypsum
• Use renewable materials
• Wood products are purchased from manufacturers who practice sustainable forestry
• Plumbing utilizes plastic components vs. mined components
• Energy Efficiency--Many companies routinely build to Energy Star certification
• Point of use options for water heating
• Heating sized to heating and cooling load calculations
• All building envelope penetrations sealed
• Minimum 12" overhangs provided for shading
• All switches and outlets foam gasketed
• All exterior wall switches and outlets caulked from back side to prevent air infiltration
• Building materials are sourced from local suppliers reducing energy requirements to deliver
• All lumber utilized is from local forests
• On demand water heating available
• Low flow 1.6 gpf toilets
• Water efficient Moen showerheads
• Water efficient sink faucet aerators
• Shut off valves at all fixtures

"Green" Principle: Indoor Environmental Quality
• Minimize potential sources of pollution
• All plywood and fiberboard certified to low formaldehyde emission standards
• Carpet and carpet pad "Green Labeled" by Rug Institutes indoor air quality testing program
• Heat recovery ventilation available as an option
• Indoor paints have low or no VOC's
• Manage potential pollutants generated in the home
• Kitchen ranges exhausted to outside when possible
• Radon exhaust piping available as an option
• Whole house ventilation available as an option
• Moisture management
• Bathroom exhaust fans provided
• Moisture resistant drywall installed under tiled surfaces
• All building materials, lumber, etc. stored in controlled environment prior to building with lumber at less than a 15% moisture content
• Plumbing supply lines kept from exterior walls when possible

"Green" Principle: Global Impact
• Use of low or no VOC paints and coatings reduces the amount of pollutants that are released into the environment
• 100% of waste is recycled reducing burden on landfills
• Local materials are utilized reducing energy requirements to delivery products