Making the Most of Your Investment
By: Tom Hardiman
The popularity of portable classrooms is undeniable. The Modular Building Institute (MBI), an international trade association for commercial modular construction, gathers and distributes statistical information about the size and growth of this industry for its annual State of the Industry report. Last year, commercial modular dealers reported that nearly 40 percent of their total business was in the education market. Although some portion of this business is permanent modular construction, the bulk of this business is in the temporary modular construction, or portable, classroom market.
By definition, a portable is a commercial structure that:
• Utilizes modular construction methods
• Can be transported over public roads
• Is designed to be constructed for efficient secondary relocations without the removal of the floor, roof or other significant structural modification
• Is generally smaller than 2,000 square feet in size
Portable Classrooms Are Here to Stay
As a quick, build-to-site deliverable, portables make a great deal of sense as an immediate space solution. In the face of population spikes, overcrowding or funding drives (toward permanent construction), portables become a short-term but quick space fix.
And the popularity of portable classrooms is not just about the speed. Other cited benefits include:
• Relocation ability from school to school
• Flexibility of financing options (purchase, lease, lease-to-own)
• Increased cost of typical site-built facilities
• Minimal site disruptions (reduces safety concerns and minimizes distractions)
Most importantly, portables are built to local codes, just like their stick-built counterparts.
Despite the numerous advantages portable classrooms offer, the “trailer” image of the industry still persists. Some parents are reluctant to send their children to class in a detached space. Concerns about poor indoor air quality, acoustics, day lighting, energy efficiency and student morale are often cited as reasons for increased regulations and legislation to improve the learning environment that portables offer. All are valid issues that can be dramatically affected at the local level by improved operation and maintenance. Portables, like any other facility, require proper operation and maintenance.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
A 2004 study of environmental conditions in public classrooms by the California Air Resource Board and the California Department of Health Services found that both portable and traditional classrooms were found to have some environmental conditions that need improvement. However, the most serious problems occurred only in a small percentage of classrooms. The study concluded that “design capacity did not appear to be a common problem in this study. Improved operation and maintenance would go a long way to address many of the problems identified.”
Below are several actionable items that will improve the performance of portables. Although these measures add to the up-front cost of the portable, those extra dollars will quickly provide results in the form of energy savings, increased student and teacher morale, and improved student performance.
1. Protect Indoor Air Quality
First, specify no-emitting and low-emitting building materials and furnishings to reduce airborne contaminants. The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) has developed a list of low emitting materials for schools that can be found at www.chps.net.
Second, install proper drainage systems and control measures to prevent mold. Some areas to consider are landscaping systems that prohibit water from hitting the actual structure and draining off. It’s also important to provide the proper grading and drainage systems along with mitigation procedures for water leaks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit that details more indoor air quality maintenance and control procedures. You can order the kit online at www.epa.gov.
2. Support Gains in Energy Efficiency
Portable classrooms built today are much more energy-efficient than ones built a generation ago. The Northwest Portable Classroom Project conducted by Washington State University in 2003 found that portables built to the 1993 code were 44 percent more energy-efficient than models built 25 years prior. Further, portables built to 2000 codes are 20 percent more energy-efficient than the 1993 models. And there are additional measures you can take to improve on this energy efficiency increase.
First, install programmable thermostats in all existing portables and require programmable thermostats for any new portables. Second, choose site placement of portables to maximize the benefits of day lighting. This measure will not only improve the energy efficiency of the portable, but could lead to improved student performance. Finally, for any portables that utilize a “wall-mount” HVAC system, specify a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 12 vs. 10. The higher the ratio, the more efficient your unit is and the lower your energy bills will be.
3. Improve Room Acoustics
It is important to note that acoustics are problematic in traditional classrooms as well as portables. MBI has several suggestions on how to provide the best acoustics (these measures are equally positive for traditional classrooms):
• Assure seating away from highways and busy roads where possible
• Reduce outside noise levels during instruction periods when possible
• Use wireless microphone systems for cost-effective resonance
Although some teachers turn off the HVAC unit in an attempt to reduce noise, we advise against this practice. Studies have shown that student comfort and indoor air quality contribute more to a positive learning environment than acoustics. When you turn off the HVAC system, you are actually diminishing the learning environment.
4. Activate Proper Maintenance and Timely Replacement
There are two points that are more important than any of those already mentioned to ensure a positive learning environment in portable classrooms. First, retire older portables when they become unserviceable or do not provide an adequate learning environment and, second, properly maintain the portables currently in use. Today’s portable classrooms are designed to last up to 30 years. But the length of this timeline is completely dependent on the proper maintenance of the portable in every year of its life. It goes without saying that portables should never be used beyond the recommended life of the unit.
Things to Consider When Locating a Provider
As a purchasing agent, your job is to find the best quality space—even if it is for a temporary need. MBI fields calls each day from first-time portable classroom purchasers. Below is the information that we share with them.
Points to consider in evaluating providers:
• Work with a reputable company willing to stand behind their product.
• When working with a dealer (sells units manufactured elsewhere), ask for the contact name at the manufacturer. Request complete warranty information from the manufacturer of the building.
• Look for a provider that is willing to discuss and develop a payment plan that is suited to your budget. Most providers will offer lease vs. purchase options. If you have short-term needs, consider leasing.
• Because improper installation can result in numerous problems and limit the useful life of your building, work with a dealer or manufacturer that is willing to assist with the installation. For best results¬, ask for a turnkey project including delivery, site preparation, installation and removal (if leasing).
Common factors that affect both price and delivery time:
• Customized Features: Most dealers maintain an inventory of portable classrooms suitable for many purposes. If you want custom features, it may cost more money and take longer to deliver. Consider the timeline of the space need when you talk custom features.
• Lead Time: In normal business circumstances, a company should be able to deliver a portable classroom in a matter of weeks. However, the unprecedented demand for portable classrooms as a result of Hurricane Katrina may cause some delays, depending on your location.
• Standard Dimensions: Most classrooms are 24 feet wide and vary in length depending upon location. Ceiling height is typically 8 feet. Classrooms usually consist of two modules approximately 12 feet wide each. You can ask for other dimensions, but transportation restrictions may impact your design considerations. Again, if you stay within reasonable industry guidelines, you may save money.
Hopefully this information will assist you as you consider portable classrooms as an immediate space solution.
Tom Hardiman is the executive director of the Modular Building Institute, www.modular.org, an international non-profit trade association representing nearly 850 companies in 14 countries engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of commercial modular buildings. MBI manages the industry’s only labeling program dedicated to increasing public awareness of factory-built buildings.
Product Roundup
Anchor Modular Buildings
Anchor Modular Buildings sells and leases custom-built modular classrooms ranging from 500 square feet to 10,000 square feet and more. The company also offers a line of pre-fabricated steel buildings, which can be used for permanent or semi-permanent classroom projects. Factories get very busy in the spring and early summer building new classrooms for summertime installations to be ready for the fall.
www.anchormodular.com
Vanguard Modular
Vanguard Modular provides award-winning space solutions for churches and church schools, ranging from classrooms and offices to fellowship halls and nurseries, with or without kitchens and restrooms. The company custom designs buildings to visually match existing facilities’ exterior or create the specialized floorplan needed. For faster solutions, Vanguard offers in-stock, Ready-To-Roll pre-leased units that are continually refurbished and prepped for quick delivery. Customized or Ready-To-Roll, Vanguard Modular provides a solution to fit any budget. From design through final inspection, the company handles as many of the details as customers choose.
www.vanguardmodular.com
Nortex Modular Space
Nortex Modular Space serves churches and private schools with high-quality modular office and classroom buildings on either a lease or purchase basis. As a licensed general contractor, Nortex Modular Space offers a wide variety of floor plans and interior and exterior finish options to meet the exact needs of customers. The company’s specialty is stucco exteriors, concrete decks, ramps and high ceilings. Design services are free, and all buildings meet local and federal codes.
www.nortexmodular.com
Triumph Modular
Triumph Modular offers a wide range of temporary and permanent modular classroom structures that can be customized to meet a variety of needs, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, cafeterias, locker rooms, administrative offices or storage space. Individual modules are fabricated in a climate-controlled environment, including fixtures and nearly all interior finishing. The module is then shipped to school sites for installation or assembly with other completed modules to build a larger structure. Triumph is a participant in the California High Performing Schools (CHPS) program. In addition to offering lower costs than traditional “site-built” structures, Triumph offers attractive leasing options for many of their modular classrooms.
www.triumphleasing.com
