Modular buildings increasingly sustainable with Algeco plug&play solution

Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in infrastructure projects. The same goes for temporary accommodation, such as construction and office units, storage containers, bulkheads and sheds. This is exactly what Algeco does best. With its 360 range of products, Algeco Eco Solutions and Algeco Solar, Algeco offers interesting solutions for reducing the energy costs and environmental footprint of modular buildings. Not surprisingly, major construction companies such as Heijmans have called on Algeco Eco Solutions and Algeco Solar.

The widening of the A1 motorway between Apeldoorn and Twello is a good example of how Algeco contributes to the sustainability of infrastructure projects. This project set a sustainable example for future infrastructure projects. And so the temporary accommodations must also meet the necessary sustainability requirements. "For the widening of the A1 motorway between Apeldoorn and Twello, we provided the bulkhead shack, but also various switching units, a storage and workshop in the form of a shed and various standalone units. All distributed along the 15-kilometer route," said Borut Nastran, Country Manager at Algeco Nederland. "The bulkhead shed we built here consists of one layer. But we can also build it two or three high. In particular, what makes it sustainable and circular are the wooden sandwich panels, the fact that the heating and cooling is regulated by an energy-efficient split air conditioning system with heat pump technology, thirty solar panels on the roof, energy-efficient LED lighting and water-saving faucets in the shack. Last, but not least, are the minimal transport movements. The sandwich panels fit on one truck. Were you to opt for ready-made units, you would need many more trucks to get to the same surface area.

Sustainable business card

Also on the A1 route are several Algeco switched rental units. These serve as information and visitor centers for local residents and other interested parties. They were delivered including furniture and carpeting for a luxurious appearance. These units are optimally insulated, equipped with solar panels and LED lighting. "All in all, the A1 project is a great calling card for our 360-degree service, in which we provide total furnishings, from furniture, plumbing and WiFi to fire extinguishers, motion detectors and cameras."

Plug&play solar panels for modular roofs

At Algeco, we are constantly striving to improve the sustainability of our products and services in order to help our clients reduce their energy costs and make their projects more sustainable. Algeco Solar is a good example of this. Algeco Solar is a plug-and-play solution which provides modular buildings with renewable solar energy. Consisting of a steel roof frame with five photovoltaic panels, the system delivers up to 2,175 watt peak per unit. Enough to power standard consumers in a container module, think lighting, air conditioning, network technology, as well as PCs, phones and printers. "Thanks to the plug&play system, the cost is much lower than installing traditional solar panels. The system is flexible and scalable, meaning it can be adapted to the specific needs of each project, regardless of size or complexity. In addition, our Algeco Solar is equipped with micro-inverters and a communication gateway. This allows the electricity production and self-sufficiency of the container building to be monitored at any time via WLAN access on a mobile device. This solution is particularly suitable for large infrastructure projects, where energy demand is often high and where sustainability is becoming increasingly central."

Nice steps with Eco Solutions

However, it is not just solar panels and LED lighting that Algeco is promoting. Under the name Algeco Eco Solutions, it also offers sensors and water pumps, inverters, charging points, smart building solutions, heat recovery systems with CO2 meters and more, as part of an overall accommodation solution. This aligns with its commitment to a more sustainable future, in line with its Modular Group Net Zero 2050 approach. "We see an increasing demand and need for higher insulation values of temporary accommodations. We are responding to this by using heavier roof, wall and floor insulation, among other things. We also provide the ability to collect rainwater to flush toilets and to store energy from solar panels. The 2023 ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) report of the Modular Group, of which Algeco is a member, proves that we are not just talking about fine words, but that we are taking steps towards a truly circular economy. Among other things, the report shows that 55% of collective water consumption has been reduced. In addition, 75% of waste reduction to landfills was achieved and all employees collectively completed 5,145 hours of volunteer work. And as icing on the cake, we received an EcoVadis medal for our sustainability efforts!"