In the age of global warming, each person must do her/his part in protecting the environment from further contamination and destruction. In light of that concern, modular homes are, or can be, design and constructed to be ‘green’ conscious.

Prefab construction in plants is the first step. First of all, materials are precisely designed and stored to prevent waste and future mold build-up. Wood is cut to specifications, and oriented strand boards (OSB) are used for sheathing roofs and walls.

R-19 insulation and R-18 ceiling insulation is enclosed at the plant to prevent all possible air contamination, reduce energy expenditure and lower energy costs in the long run. Segments are better sealed to ensure no future leakage. Natural resources are utilized at the plant for climate control in order to minimize or eliminate all materials’ exposure to the elements.

When it comes to erecting the green modular home at the site, landscaping preparations, site orientation and the means of outdoor drainage are crucial for preventing damage to the surrounding environment. Passive solar techniques, such as solar hot water, geothermal setups, and PV, among other implemeted options, can and will increase energy efficiency and cut heating and cooling costs considerably.

Those interested in obtaining the ENERGY certification of approval on their green modular homes should contact the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for further information and appraisal. All current standards are available online.