Being environmentally ethical is a serious consideration for many businesses. Eco-friendly brands can attract more consumers, and vice versa – according to one consumer index, 47 per cent of people worldwide agreed that they have switched to a different product or service because a company did not reflect their personal
values.
Protecting the environment is a strong consumer value. But businesses can still grow and maintain sustainable operations. The use of purpose-built containers has long been used for office and shop extensions. Only now can we recognise how these simple structures are becoming a viable option for sustainable companies. For businesses aiming to meet their environmental goals, we investigate how purpose-built containers could give them a helping hand.
Waste and space
There are many uses for purpose-built containers. Creating more space is one of their primary functions. However, it’s what they don’t add which shows their environmental utility. 400 million tonnes of material are used by the UK construction sector every year, according to WRAP. Meanwhile, it generates 100 million tonnes of waste. Overall, construction waste contributes to one-third of all waste in the UK. This demonstrates the current unsustainable operations of the construction sector.
Containers have a simple design and use limited materials in their fabrication and erection. Ultimately, this reduces the amount of waste generated in its construction. Simple steel walls help to minimise waste, designed and cut to simple rectangular shapes. Excess material can then be used in the construction of another container. For example, brick and mortar spaces weigh a considerable amount compared to the average 20 ft container, which hits the scales at only 2,230 kilograms.
The benefits continue beyond saved waste. Money can be saved on material cost and the time it would take to develop heavier-bearing foundations. Building on environmental strategies, a business could then redirect this saved money into other sustainable schemes.
The limited space that a purpose-built storage container requires is also environmentally friendly. By condensing your workspace into a container, you’re leaving more of the natural world untouched. Natural habitats won’t be disturbed by building larger workspaces.
Energy conservation
Energy conservation is another benefit of purpose-built containers. Temperatures in a storage container can be easily regulated throughout hot and cold seasons by using simple insulation. The need for fuel is also reduced, where the confined container space needs less energy to climate control the work area.
You could further save money through investments in renewable energy with a container. The simple design of the container means that solar panels can be mounted onto the roof and be used to power electrical devices inside. While using renewable energy is a great way to help the environment, it’s also a visible sign to everyone who passes that your business is doing all that it can to meet its sustainable targets.
Longevity
A primary concern with purpose-built containers that businesses may have is their longevity. But this concern can easily be debunked as a myth. In reality, containers that are used for retail, office, or industrial space can last about 30 years. This is because the container’s steel structure is coated with a zinc paint coat. This slows down the process of rusting. Erosion is less likely than one may experience with traditional brick-and-mortar buildings.
In addition to longevity, when you’re finished with your shipping container, it can be reused or repurposed. We know that containers were originally created for shipping and hauling, but today we see containers being used as shops, bars, and even homes. They are an attractive alternative for many businesses looking to create a new workspace. Once the use of a container has finished, the space used can also be reclaimed without contributing to landfill waste. Deconstruction costs are also limited. Then the materials from the container can be stripped and recycled, or the container may be used by a different business or in a different location.
Purpose-built containers can help improve your environmental footing in a variety of ways. By reducing waste and energy consumption, you can help your business meet its sustainable targets. For this reason, purpose-built containers are becoming one of the most viable options for expanding business operations and maintaining an eco-friendly approach to work.
Sources
https://www.businessinsider.com/sustainability-as-a-value-is-changing-how-consumers-shop?r=US&IR=T