Did you know?
Construction sector has far reaching consequences on nature – it contributes 23% of air pollution, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes.
For sustainability enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers, these statistics are a strong call to action – We Need Better Solutions!
However, what if we tell you there is a way by which we can drastically reduce the pollution in construction, save natural resources, reduce on-site disruptions, all while saving time on the entire building process?
Prefabricated structures, the latest innovation in construction technology, is slowly gaining recognition among stakeholders like architects, builders, property developers, and sustainability enthusiasts. As per the reports, the prefab buildings market is poised to grow at a CAGR of over 13%.
What is this technology? How does it help with the economics of a construction business? Why should you tap its complete potential?
Read the article further to find out!
How Does Traditional Construction Affect The Environment?
Out of all the economic sectors, the infrastructure industry is arguably using the most outdated construction techniques in the 21st century. These traditional practices can no longer serve the dire needs of a sustainable future.
The Indian construction boom comes at the cost of its resources. For example, brick, a dominant material, causes excessive clay extraction and soil erosion. Sand, when mined unsustainably, can seriously disrupt riverbeds and ecosystems.
That’s not all! The traditional methods are also water-intensive, and we are often straining freshwater resources. Not to forget, construction sites are major sources of dust pollution and emissions from brick kilns.
To deconstruct a home made in a traditional setting, the only solution is to demolish the structure, which leads to improper waste management of the debris, which further overflows landfills and contaminates water.
Finally, the traditional on-site activities and building materials contribute to a high energy consumption footprint.
Why Switch To Prefabricated Structures?
As per the Mordor Intelligence 2024–2029 forecast, Asia-Pacific will witness the highest growth in the modular construction market. Thus, the question is: why are prefabricated structures gaining demand day by day?
Here are the reasons:
- Reduced Waste
A traditional construction site is dusty and prone to accidents. When it comes to prefab structures, the entire process shifts to a factory, where cutting and assembling a building component happens in a controlled environment.
The new method significantly reduces construction waste by minimizing leftover materials and offcuts. For our resource-conscious world, this is an amazing feat.
- Increased Efficiency
We are all aware that the infrastructure industry has one of the longest work-completion cycles, and India is no exception. Furthermore, time is money, and project delays can lead to high increases in costs.
In the new model, the prefab units will arrive at the site for assembly. Thus, it notably brings down the total construction time. For urban areas, this is the perfect solution, as it will reduce on-site work and minimize the disruption local communities face during any construction work.
- Enhanced Quality Control
Under factory settings, prefab modules undergo rigorous quality checks. This helps ensure consistent quality and find out if it adheres to building codes. Thus, there are fewer defects and sturdier structures.
These are not the only reasons to prefer modular structures. One can reduce waste, recycle material, and cause minimum environmental damage. Also, these aren’t limited to just temporary structures. One can use them to create commercial complexes, a wide variety of buildings, residential homes, and even roads.
This is the kind of environmentally viable and versatile construction option India needs in the 21st century.
Is Prefab Cost Effective?
The concept of modular buildings and structures is new. Which is why, it is often misunderstood that prefab is an expensive construction solution.
The reality is the polar opposite. Here’s how off-site-constructed buildings can save money in the short and long run:
- Given that prefab structures are built off-site, they are quick to assemble and reduce construction time drastically. Low labour costs → fast project completion. Save money on rent + living arrangements.
- Due to controlled factory settings, building components are cut and assembled with precision. Leftovers, offcuts are reduced → less construction waste. Direct cost savings on raw materials.
- Factory-built buildings demand a specialised workforce that works efficiently. A skilled workforce can focus on these special tasks and deliver projects faster. Avoid bearing the cost of project delays.
- Materials used in prefab construction, like steel and concrete panels, need low maintenance. Even if the upfront fee is a bit higher, one can reduce maintenance costs.
Critics might factor in the cost of the upfront fee and the demand for specialised equipment for transporting the modular building elements. However, the points mentioned above make prefab a cost-effective solution for all stakeholders in the long run.
Case Studies – Live Examples of Prefab Success
The Indian prefabricated construction sector is rapidly growing. These are some successful examples of prefab structures in the present scenario:
- 3S Prefab Technology: The Indian Buildings Congress highlighted the 3S system that Shirkas Construction developed for the mass housing project. Here, components like dense concrete hollow core columns and beams are being used for faster construction and quality control.
- Delhi Development Authority Housing Project: The Delhi Development Authority has also come forward to actively use prefab techniques for constructing over 55,000 houses in a
Modular buildings are getting attention from government aided institutions and companies as well. It’s time to explore how prefab construction can be helpful for their construction needs.
For A Greener Tomorrow, Switch To Prefab Structures Today
Prefab structures are going to be the future of Indian infrastructure success. From advancements in materials to environmental benefits, it is going to rewrite the growth of urbanisation in our nation and beyond.
Reduced waste, lower consumption of energy, and several other benefits make prefab a fabulous win for both construction timelines and the environment.
EPACK Prefab is leading this change. To stay updated with the latest innovation and news in the sustainable construction sector, subscribe to the EPACK newsletter. With EPACK Prefab, let’s make India a green nation, one structure at a time.
