Utilizing Prefabrication in Order to Achieve LEED Credits

This paper is a dissertation on the concept and benefits of utilizing panelization in construction to achieve LEED credits. Panelization is the process of prefabricating construction framing materials, such as walls, floors, and roof systems, to streamline and improve the construction process. This dissertation aims to examine: (1) how prefabrication can optimize construction through effective waste management (2) how prefabrication manufacturing plants are more efficient, cost-effective, and better for the environment with regard to material use and recycling than traditional construction methods (3) how prefabrication can be used to obtain LEED credit points for the Construction and Demolition Waste Management section of the material and resources category. To achieve this, I compiled research and conducted surveys with multiple construction industry professionals, specifically from the general contractor point of view, to gauge their understanding of panelization and whether they would implement it in their jobs to achieve LEED credits. Through this research, I determined that the ideal way to achieve LEED credits is to use panelization in as many aspects of the building process as possible. Benefits discussed by the general contractors and the research included an expedited development process, increased customization, increased structural reliability, and a reduced environmental impact