Our Committment to Sustainable construction
For RAS, sustainable Construction is more than just Marketing Speak. Our practices are rooted in preserving the environment we work and live in for future generations to enjoy.
Sustainability is a daily practice woven into how we build, operate, and support our communities. Through responsible material management, circularity initiatives, and waste reduction partnerships, we’re continuously improving how we care for the environment while delivering exceptional Pre-fab Construction Solutions.
Environmental Benefits of Pre-fab Construction
Pre-fab construction dramatically reduces our environmental impact by cutting material waste, lowering embodied carbon, and shortening construction timelines. By fabricating precision-built panels in controlled environments, fewer resources are used, fewer truck trips are required, and buildings achieve better long-term energy performance. The result is faster, cleaner construction that scales sustainably without compromising quality.
“Modular construction emits 45% less carbon than traditional methods”
“Embodied carbon, which is emitted by the production and transport of materials during a scheme’s construction, currently accounts for around 11% of global emissions.
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Researchers at Cambridge and Edinburgh found that these emissions are “dramatically” lower when modular systems are used because units are completed offsite in a controlled assembly line environment and taken to site in one delivery.
It means that modular buildings require fewer carbon-intensive products like concrete and steel, and less transport for on-site workers and material deliveries."
Circularity Assessment (Project Zero & Synergy Foundation)
RAS recently underwent a full Circularity Assessment as part of Project Zero and the Synergy Foundation.
We earned a 39% Circularity Score, considered strong for our industry, highlighting our progress in reducing waste, improving material stewardship, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Following the assessment, we completed a number of the recommended best practices, meaning our score would now be even higher. A follow-up interview confirmed our ongoing commitment to measurable improvement.
Industry Leadership & BMEx Participation
RAS is an engaged member of the BMEx (Building Materials Exchange) group, helping push industry standards forward while sharing knowledge on waste reduction and responsible construction practices.
Through partnerships and shared resources, RAS contributes to a more sustainable, circular construction ecosystem across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Two weeks of garbarge from our Chemainus Pref-fab facility that produces 100,000 sq ft of building panels per week.
Community Recycling & Waste Diversion
RAS actively participates in community recycling efforts to ensure materials are properly diverted from landfills.
We recycle cardboard, paper, and wood through GFL, and while we produce minimal metal waste, any that does arise is sold to a local scrap yard for reuse.
Cans and bottles collected at the shop are regularly brought to the local recycling depot.
Free Scrap Wood & Material Reuse
To reduce waste and support the local community, RAS places scrap wood outside the gate for anyone to take, completely free of charge.
In addition, when we have usable leftover materials, we often set them out front on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing them to be repurposed instead of discarded.