Shipping Container Conversions: A Sustainable Building Solution
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, businesses and consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and proactively looking for more eco-friendly solutions. This shift is driving the manufacturing supply chain to invest in and adopt renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, and circular economy practices. The Eldapoint Group recognises that sustainable solutions are essential for continued growth and competitiveness.
Under the group umbrella, Eldapoint specialises in transforming used shipping containers into innovative, sustainable working and living spaces. Once solely used for transporting goods across the globe, by giving these robust containers a second lease of life, we reduce waste, conserve resources, and create durable, energy-efficient structures that align with the principles of the circular economy.
Container conversions – the circular economy in action
The circular economy concept centres around keeping resources in use for as long as possible. It’s an attempt to disrupt the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” which is unsustainable in the long term. Shipping container conversions are a great example of the circular economy in action. These conversions help close the waste loop, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimising environmental impact.
A shipping container is a highly adaptable building block that can be transformed into all manner of things. Whether transformed into offices, retail spaces, classrooms or even pop-up cafes, shipping container conversions offer a unique blend of environmental benefits and creative possibilities. Container buildings can also be easily expanded, relocated, or repurposed as needs change, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new construction.
Reducing waste and conserving resources
One of the most significant environmental advantages of shipping container conversions is the reduction of waste. Rather than containers ending up in scrap yards, we give them a second life, preventing them from becoming waste and reducing the demand for new construction materials.
Upcycling shipping containers conserves the energy and resources that would otherwise be needed to manufacture traditional building materials such as bricks, cement, and steel. The process of creating these materials is energy-intensive and generates significant carbon emissions. Reusing a container is estimated to save about 3,500 kg of steel and prevent the release of about 8,000 kg of CO2. Most conversion projects also eliminate the need for cement, a substantial source of approximately 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. By opting for container conversions, we can dramatically reduce the environmental impact associated with construction.
Lower Embodied Energy – the Modular Construction Process
Embodied energy refers to the total energy consumed in the production, transportation, and construction of a building. Shipping container conversions typically have a lower embodied energy compared to traditional construction methods. This is because the containers are already manufactured and require minimal processing before being transformed into habitable spaces.
A study from the Modular Building Institute estimated that a modular construction timeline is typically 30 to 50 per cent shorter than traditional construction. The reduced production schedule is because most of the physical construction is performed at a manufacturing plant and then delivered to the site. When 60 – 90% of the construction, including features and finishes, can be completed inside a factory, the risk of weather delays is significantly reduced. This process means buildings are ready for use sooner, creating a faster return on investment.
Traditional construction projects generate substantial waste, including excess materials, packaging, and debris. In contrast, shipping container conversions produce minimal construction waste. The container itself serves as the primary structural component, meaning fewer additional materials are required. This reduction lowers the project’s environmental footprint and reduces the cost and complexity of waste disposal.
Sustainable features for your shipping container home
With the right insulation materials and techniques, container conversions can be very energy efficient, reducing heating and cooling costs. Eco-friendly features can be incorporated, such as energy-efficient windows, doors, and ventilation systems, to minimise the building’s carbon footprint. Solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems can also be integrated into container designs, further enhancing their environmental credentials.
A greener alternative for all your storage, welfare and business needs
Shipping container conversions offer a compelling blend of environmental benefits. They can significantly reduce a building project’s carbon footprint by reusing existing materials, reducing the energy expended on transport, assembly, and installation, and incorporating energy-efficient design features.
The Eldapoint Group has provided container conversions for over fifty years using upcycled ‘one trip’ and second-hand units. By giving these steel giants a second life, we reduce waste, conserve resources, and create durable, energy-efficient structures that align with the principles of the circular economy. Whether you want to expand your office, accommodation or storage space or create an imaginative outlet for your brand, our shipping container conversion team is here for you.
