Abstract

More than a third of all CO2 emissions from energy sources come from the building industry, making it a significant contributor to the global greenhouse gas problem. This challenge is especially pronounced in Canada’s northern territories, such as Nunavut, where communities rely heavily on diesel for heating and electricity due to extreme climates and geographic isolation. These factors result in disproportionately high per capita emissions, despite the region’s lack of industrial activity. In response to both environmental and housing challenges, modular construction represents a viable and sustainable solution, enabling off-site prefabrication and rapid on-site assembly, with the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, construction costs, and housing shortages.
The modular home envelope at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, was the subject of a Life Cycle Carbon Assessment (LCCA) in this research. Following the guidelines laid out by ISO 14040, this study focuses on the A1-A5 system boundary, which encompasses the processes of extracting raw materials, transporting them, producing them, and finally assembling them on-site. Experimental data for each phase was collected in collaboration with the Arctic Modular Home Factory located in Manitoba, including design documentation, manufacturing and assembly information, and logistics. Autodesk Revit and SimaPro software (TRACI method) were used for modeling and environmental impact analysis to identify the most carbon-intensive life cycle stages.
Furthermore, scenario analyses were conducted to explore carbon reduction strategies, including alternative material selection, optimized transportation logistics, and modular factory relocation. The results provide a baseline for understanding the environmental performance of modular construction in Arctic regions and offer practical pathways for emission reductions. Though conducted on a single unit, this study represents a scalable model for broader modular housing developments in northern communities. Its findings aim to inform policymakers, construction practitioners, and local governments seeking to implement low-carbon, resilient, and cost-effective housing solutions in remote regions of Canada.