When the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported in July, 2008, that trailers used as temporary shelter for displaced hurricane victims in Louisiana and Mississippi contained elevated formaldehyde levels, it was recommended the residents were immediately relocated. Seems awful enough on its own, but even worse, most trailers used in this manner are typically dumped in a landfill after they're no longer needed, multiplying the negative environmental impact of the harmful chemicals and pollutants they emit. It's not surprising that these kind of trailers are known as "toxic boxes."
Perhaps that's why the folks at Terradime Modular, a manufacturing and innovation enterprise focused on energy efficient technologies, held such a large, international product launch in in October, 2010 that included a tour by former PA Governor Tom Ridge. One of the products, created by alumni from Carnegie Mellon University, is called Ecoplex, and it's the first mass produced modular trailer that doesn't contain cancer-causing toxins and is 100 percent recyclable. The Ecoplex offers other benefits over toxic boxes, like up to 10 times more daylight and better air quality, wind resistance and climate adaptability.
The trailers are designed for use in disaster relief, as mobile offices, medical clinics schools and by the entertainment and construction industries. The modular trailer industry is a multi-billion dollar market that impacts thousands of people in the U.S. Terradime's new model is made of structurally insulated panel, employs remote self-leveling technology, measures up to 40 feet long and costs between $30,000 and $40,000.
Terradime also unveiled its Smart-e unique energy monitoring system, intended to replace the traditional home or office thermostat and allow remote access to home or office from anywhere int he world. It is password-protected, makes recommendations based on an individual's usage and preferences, and conserves energy while saving money. The product will be available by Fall, 2011, starting at $399 for the basic model.
The company has received funding from both the state and the Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh in recent months. With Ridge in its corner and a team of bright Carnegie Mellon products working on energy efficiency, Terradime seems poised to grow into a major innovating force for Western PA.