Do you know that buildings consume 40% of the energy produced globally? There is enormous financial savings potential in conserving energy, and prefab is one of the best alternatives that can help companies achieve this. Prefab structures ensure energy efficiency as the joints are tighter; better air filtration ensures solid wall insulation and energy efficiency. Let’s see if the offsite approach can be used to meet upcoming energy efficiency requirements more cost-effectively to address affordability and energy concerns.

Buildings demonstrate an enormous potential to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with other sectors. Thus, the deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) and reducing energy consumption are two top priorities that companies are attempting to address these days. As with the auto industry, where we are already witnessing a growing interest in electric cars lately, with Tesla renewing consumers’ interest in adopting battery-operated vehicles, it could definitely be possible in the near future that we will see the emergence of energy-efficient buildings. In tune with the changing times, prefab companies have worked vigorously to build energy & water efficient structures and utilize eco-friendly materials. But how do they do that? By reusing cut-offs from other projects and recycling items such as drywall and metal, thereby reducing waste and conserving energy costs.
Material advances in this field are already showing that sky is the limit for ensuring energy efficiency in prefab. Sheep’s wool is being used as insulation in a New Zealand house, as it is an affordable, energy-efficient indigenous material. Then, there is the use of aerogel, developed by NASA, as insulation in a house in the Netherlands. In several countries, such as Austria and England, all-in-one heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are being frequently used because the energy requirements are lower due to the overall construction efficiency.

How to achieve Energy Efficiency?

For modular buildings to be energy-efficient, healthy, and moisture-free, a holistic approach is required to strike the right balance of Heat, Air, Moisture Movement (HAMM), considering an integrated approach to airtightness and insulation and condensation control. A modern building design is greatly impacted by energy efficiency. Air leakage is a major concern that lowers energy efficiency. With design and customization using prefab technologies, we can ensure thermal insulation which makes modular buildings energy efficient.
Since its inception, Steelion has been striving to develop energy-saving prefabricated buildings. The company firmly believes that everyone should have access to the best construction techniques available to optimize the energy performance of their structures. We believe that choosing a high-performance energy efficient new building should not be looked upon as a luxury but part of a purchasing process. Get in touch with our team of experts to enhance the energy efficiency of your upcoming projects and drive the sustainable construction wave.
Sources: Intechopen, Huffpost