When a developer or investor decides to use modular construction on a multistory building, they are choosing a system that is inherently both green and energy efficient.
Everything from the initial design to the day the modules arrive at the job site has been designed, manufactured, and in many instances, the final assembly has been under the direction of the modular factory.
Designing an energy-efficient multi-story building involves thoughtful integration of architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems to minimize the energy needs of the building. With modular construction, about 80% of all these designs, materials, and construction are done in one place.
Below are 10 key considerations:
Building Envelope: The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building. The building should have a well-insulated envelope that prevents the loss of heat during winter and the entrance of heat during summer. It includes the use of high-performance windows and doors, wall insulation, and roof insulation. Green roofs can also help with insulation and rainwater management.
Solar Orientation: The building should be oriented to take advantage of solar heat gain in winter and to minimize solar heat gain in summer. Passive solar design is a way of designing buildings to take advantage of the sun’s energy. This can be done by orienting the building so that it receives maximum sunlight, by using materials that store heat, and by designing the building so that the sun’s heat can be circulated throughout the building.
Solar thermal energy is a renewable energy source that can be used to heat water or space. Solar thermal panels can be installed on the roof of a building to collect the sun’s heat, which can then be used to heat water or space. Solar PV systems convert sunlight into electricity. Solar PV panels can be installed on the roof of a building to generate electricity, which can then be used to power the building or sold back to the grid.
Natural Ventilation and Daylighting: Buildings can be designed to take advantage of natural ventilation and daylighting. This can help to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and artificial lighting, thus saving energy. Techniques such as atriums, skylights, cross-ventilation, and light shelves can be used.
Energy-efficient Systems: Buildings should be equipped with energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, lighting systems, and appliances. HVAC systems account for a significant portion of a building’s energy use, so it is important to choose high-efficiency models. These systems can save money on energy bills and help to reduce the environmental impact of the building.
Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED and CFL bulbs, can use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This can save money on energy bills and help to reduce the environmental impact of the building. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature of a building based on occupancy and other factors. This can help to save energy and money.
Renewable Energy Sources: Buildings can be equipped with renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal energy systems. This can help to offset the energy consumption of the building. Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity and can be installed on the roof of a building or in a field near the building.
Geothermal energy can be used to heat and cool a building. Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in a building to transfer heat from the ground to the building in the winter and from the building to the ground in the summer.
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Automation and control systems help manage the energy consumption of buildings by adjusting usage and systems performance based on real-time and predicted demand. These could range from simple programmable thermostats to advanced systems that integrate with the building’s HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems.
Lighting control systems can be used to automatically turn lights on and off, dim lights, or change the color of lights based on occupancy, time of day, or other factors while HVAC control systems can similarly be used to adjust the temperature, humidity, and air quality
Water Conservation: Water-saving plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling systems can be implemented to conserve water, which in turn saves energy that would have been used in water treatment and heating. Educating occupants about water conservation can help them to reduce their water consumption.
Energy Modeling: Energy modeling software can be used during the design phase to optimize energy performance and identify the most cost-effective energy-saving measures.
Identify energy-saving opportunities: Energy modeling can be used to identify areas where energy can be saved in a new modular building. This can include identifying opportunities to improve insulation, reduce air infiltration, and install energy-efficient equipment.
Energy modeling can optimize the design of a new modular building to improve its energy efficiency. This can include factors such as the building’s orientation, the type of materials used, and the size and configuration of windows. It can be used to assess the impact of changes to the design or operation of a new modular building on its energy efficiency. This can be helpful for making decisions about changes to the building, such as the installation of new equipment or the modification of the building’s envelope.
Sustainable Construction Materials: The use of sustainable construction materials can reduce the environmental impact of the building. This includes using materials that are recyclable, renewable and have low embodied energy.
Sustainable construction materials can help to reduce energy use in buildings by making them more airtight, better insulated, and more energy-efficient.
Building Commissioning: This is the process of verifying that all of the building’s systems are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational requirements of the owner or final client. Building commissioning can be a valuable tool for improving the energy efficiency of a building. By identifying and correcting energy leaks, optimizing system operation, and recommending energy-efficient upgrades, building commissioning can help to reduce a building’s energy use and save money on energy costs.
These are some of the ways energy efficiency can be built into new multi-story buildings. It’s important to remember that the best solutions will depend on the specific conditions of each building, including its location, function, and the local climate.
Gary Fleisher is the Editor in Chief of Modular Home Source and Offsite Builder magazine. Email at [email protected]
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
