Middle East Cities Emerge as Global Leaders in Sustainability

masdar city abu dhabiWhile it’s the U.S. Green Building Council that sets the standard for LEED certification, two cities in the Middle East are quickly emerging as the world leaders in sustainable cities, or cities with a goal of net zero energy and waste. That means they produce as much energy, resources and waste as they consume.

Population and economic growth due to the Middle East’s oil reserves are the primary drivers in its aggressive push toward sustainability. With population expected to grow exponentially in the next 25 years, sustainable cities can offset the gradual depletion of the natural resources and with them, the region’s primary export and profit center. Here’s a look at innovative projects currently evolving in the region.

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Sustainable and Modular Construction Still Hot for 2013

Sustainable and Modular Construction Still Hot for 2013A recent article on Construction Digital indicates that both sustainable building and modular construction remain trends with traction. Four months into 2013, these trends are two of the driving forces behind the improving construction industry.

Green and Natural

The use of sustainable building materials and construction techniques Continue reading

Seattle’s Taproot Theatre is Reborn through Modular

Seattle’s Taproot Theatre is Reborn through Modular ConstructionIn 2009, arson tore through a section of Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, destroying several businesses, and leaving an empty lot in its wake. As reported by the Seattle Times, the Taproot Theatre, a pillar of the city’s thriving arts community, was lost in the fire. Now the Taproot is reborn, bigger, better and modular.

The New Taproot Goes Modular 

From its Space Needle to the Seattle Central Library, the Emerald City has had a long history of progressive attitudes toward architecture. It’s not surprising that modular construction was the choice for the new Taproot. With 21 modules being readied, the finished project will include primary and Continue reading

5 Ways Modular Construction is Greener

Modular Construction is GreenerAs we pause to celebrate Earth Day today, many of us may stop to consider what we can do to help the environment. Selfishly, we hope your considerations lead you to waste reduction through modular construction.

At nearly 25 percent, construction waste is the largest contributor to our waste stream. Cutting it would have a measurable impact on landfills, air pollution and our consumption of natural resources.

The US Green Building Council agrees. That’s why modular construction is worth additional points for Continue reading

News Report: ModSpace Refurb Center Makes Aging Mobile Offices Like New

News Report: ModSpace Refurb Center Makes Aging Mobile Offices Like New

Photo: Dan Marschka, LancasterOnline.com

Since opening late last year, the ModSpace refurb center in Elizabethtown, PA has been taking in our oldest mobile office trailers and turning out high-quality workspace. The E-town facility was recently featured in an article on LancasterOnline.com.

We completely refurbish them. When they go out the door, they look like a new, Plant Manager Randy Weaver told reporter Chad Umble.

Read the full story, and see images and video from the plant at LancasterOnline.com.

5 Reasons Why Schools Should Consider Modular Construction

Rising enrollments, decreasing budgets and natural disasters have America’s schools facing difficult times. When it comes to adding new teaching space quickly and affordably, modular construction offers temporary and permanent solutions that get students back to class sooner, even on tight budgets.

Here are five reasons to look closely at modular learning space. Click the link in each one to see how schools can benefit from temporary and permanent modular construction.

1. Faster Permanent Buildings

5 Reasons Why Schools Should Consider Permanent Modular ConstructionThe Jesse Kaplan School in West Nyack, NY needed four ADA-approved classrooms with restrooms for special needs children. The classrooms had to blend seamlessly with the existing facility. Innovative floorless modular construction Continue reading

Rethinking the Definition of Green Building

Modular Green BuildingRising energy costs and global climate change are compelling arguments for sustainable construction. Yet some builders, developers and owners don’t see the value in green construction, particularly as it relates to their bottom line.

Good, Not Green

At the 2013 Greenprints sustainability conference, LEED founder Rob Watson suggested “eliminating ‘green’ as a modifier,” noting that “there are good buildings, and there are bad buildings…Good buildings save energy, water, time and effort — but perhaps most importantly to their occupants, they save money.”

That’s not to say that companies aren’t building green. LEED has helped spur energy-efficient construction Continue reading