Alternative Energy & Modular Buildings: A Green Solution

(statistics by The University of Michigan)

• U.S. onshore wind resources have the potential to generate almost 11,000 GW of electricity, 106 times more than the current installed capacity of 103.6 GW.
• Wind turbines could displace 4,600 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year in the United States.
• A 2015 study by the U.S. Department of Energy found wind energy could provide 20% of all U.S. electricity by 2030 and 35% by 2050.
• The 2019 U.S. wind capacity avoided an estimated 189 million metric tons of CO2 emissions and reduced water use by about 103 billion gallons compared with conventional power plants.
• Annual avian mortality from collisions with turbines is 0.2 million, compared with 130 million mortalities due to power lines. The wind industry has been testing methods that potentially reduce bat mortality by more than 50%.

“Moving forward, the U.S. wind industry remains a critical part of the Energy Department’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to cut carbon pollution, diversify our energy economy and bring the next generation of American-made clean energy technologies to market.” (U.S. Dept of Energy)

Other forms of alternative energy include tidal energy, biomass energy, and geothermal power, to name a few. But if there’s one thing these energy industries have in common, it’s that they can each benefit from the usage of modular buildings for their operations.

Modular buildings are ideal for alternative energy companies because they are environmentally friendly in nature. In fact, modular building construction continues to be a front-runner in the field of green building practices and sustainability. This is due to the way they are manufactured in facilities, rather than on-site construction.

1. Less Materials Waste– Each year, 40% of landfill waste comes from construction methods. Fortunately, with modular, this is eliminated because of the way they are manufactured in a controlled environment.
2. Less Moisture Damage– Modular buildings are constructed in a climate-controlled setting using dry materials. The potential for high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is all but eliminated, unlike traditional work sites.
3. Recyclable– Modular buildings can be reused time and time again, and even transported to different locations. Their adaptability and reusable nature are great for alternative energy companies.
4. LEED Construction– Modular buildings can be constructed to meet the highest LEED certification standards. LEED buildings use less energy, water, and even reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As an added bonus, they save you money too.