On October 7th, 2022, Triumph Modular was invited to participate in the Innovation Day at MIT in Cambridge, MA, organized by ChileMass.
ChileMass is a non-profit organization incorporated in the United States, with the support of the Chilean and Massachusetts governments. The organization actively creates collaborations between the public and private sectors in nimble and innovative ways.
Their primary focus lies in four areas:
- Technology
- Energy
- Education
- Economic Development
The ChileMass Innovation Day is a two-day event that provides an open meeting space for the innovation ecosystems of both the US and Chile. Attendees can listen to experts discuss the latest trends, exchange skills, discuss the development of high-value business, technological ventures, and more.
It’s also an opportunity for companies like ourselves to take part. We’re happy to have the chance to listen to the top experts discuss topics they are passionate about. Triumph also had a chance to provide input. Below, we’ll recap the experience and provide a link to a video about the event.
Panel Discussions With Triumph’s CEO
Triumph Modular’s CEO, Joseph Vecchiolla, participated in a panel discussion on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG).
Joseph emphasized that the construction industry is responsible for a staggering 38% of greenhouse emissions. He noted that many of the processes associated with the traditional construction process are inefficient and dirty, including:
- Raw material manufacturing of construction materials
- Onsite work
- Construction debris
Joseph went on to highlight the advantages of modular in reducing emissions, particularly when you consider that manufacturing is done all in one factory.
Your building is almost complete before it reaches its destination, which reduces the construction timeline by up to 50% and reduces activity on the worksite by up to 90%.
Europe is Ahead of the Curve
While most of Europe has embraced modular as a viable option for construction, the United States is slower to adapt. In Massachusetts alone, roughly just 5% of current construction projects utilize modular buildings.
So, how can we change people’s minds?
Using Legos, Joseph illustrated how modular and traditional construction’s end products can look the same. Reducing material waste and on-site work are the biggest advantages, with the potential to reduce construction emissions by 37%. Modular construction is a proven method and a solution that will have an immediate positive impact on climate change.
Putting People First
The conversation moved from the environment to people. Joseph pointed to the value and importance of putting your people first. Not just in words but in actions by actively promoting and encouraging equity and diversity.
Your company’s mission is also important—employees want a mission they believe in, one that is part of a bigger vision, and that is positively impacting the world.
Innovation is Crucial
A final thought from Joseph was on innovation. He encouraged students in the audience that we must continue to innovate. If innovators focus only on monetizing, there will be little innovation. Whether the contributions are small, large, quiet, or loud, they will all push the global community to a stronger and healthier future.
Triumph Modular is striving to not only innovate the modular industry but show that we are taking care of people that work for us and the communities we operate in.
Click the video below to listen to Joseph’s full conversation.
