With millions of shipping containers lying empty at ports around the world, it may seem like repurposing them to construct buildings would be a clear environmental winner. The reality of building with shipping containers is complicated, though, and in many cases isn’t a net-positive for the environment, critics charge, according to a report by NPR's Chloe Veltman.
Commonly, those building with containers choose newer units that have less wear and no dents. Some jurisdictions prohibit the use of containers that are damaged, that have been repaired, or that are older than two years.
Also, new units cost only $1,000 to $2,000 more than used containers—not a lot in the context of a budget for a major project. Critics say new units would be better served from an environmental standpoint by using them for their original intended purpose.
While repurposing old containers would give them a new life, they have poor thermal properties degrading any environmental benefit and building owners end up paying a lot for heating and cooling.
Given the pros and cons of container construction, critics argue that it would make more environmental sense to recycle them and use conventional construction methods for construction.
Related Stories
| Jun 3, 2013
Construction spending inches upward in April
The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that construction spending during April 2013 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $860.8 billion, 0.4 percent above the revised March estimate of $857.7 billion.
| May 30, 2013
The Make It Right squabble: ‘How many trees did you plant today?’
A debate has been raging in the blogosphere over the last few months about an article in The New Republic, “If You Build It, They Might Not Come,” in which staff writer Lydia DePillis took Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation to task for botching its effort to revitalize the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Feb 28, 2013
Novel multifamily solutions to be presented at New York Modular Construction Summit
The New York Modular Construction Summit will be co-hosted by the Modular Building Institute and Pratt Institute School of Architecture on May 16, 2013, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
| Feb 22, 2013
Starbucks pilot program rolls out small, modular stores
Coffee giant Starbucks is rolling out mini-stores with maximum local flavor, as part of an international pilot program.
| Feb 14, 2013
Boxman Studios launches shipping container buildings division
Boxman Studios has launched a new division aimed at sustainable solutions for the Built Environment. The Boxman Studios Buildings Division will focus on the adaptive use of decommissioned shipping containers as architectural elements and even complete buildings.
| Dec 9, 2012
Greenzone pop quiz
Greenbuild attendees share their thoughts with BD+C on the SAGE modular classroom.
| Dec 9, 2012
Modular classroom building makes the grade
SAGE modular classroom opens eyes, minds at Greenbuild 2012.
| Sep 28, 2012
Seattle is home to first LEED-certified modular radiation center
By using modular construction and strategic site design, RAD Medical Systems built the first radiation center to receive LEED certification.
