How do containers save costs and increase efficiency in Education and Health?
When we think of large containers, our minds often lean towards storage solutions for construction sites or shipping goods on freights travelling around the world. However, the versatility and adaptability of containers go far beyond conventional uses, with more and more diverse industries finding new and innovative ways to reduce their overheads and modernise their offerings. This can address various challenges in sectors such as retail, schools, events, healthcare and so much more.
Algeco UK is offering free insight into where companies and individuals from different walks of life are successfully harnessing the potential of containers, leading to enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Site accommodation and welfare units can also be used in more than construction environments and we aim to help inspire even more projects to consider the perks of the container solution. Let’s get into it.
Educational Empowerment
Typically, containers are used at schools for storing outdoor sports equipment, goal posts, footballs and bibs. As educational institutions face space constraints and budget limitations, some schools have taken an innovative step towards expansion. Weatherproof and secure anti-vandal units mean more and more items, even those that are expensive or fragile, can be safely stored in containers, freeing up classroom storage space for better use.
The advantages of being ahead of the curve and proactively purchasing containers were made apparent last year, with the RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) crisis that impacted schools all over the UK. Demand for container solutions surged as it was realised that school closures were a possibility without a modern, safe and tested alternative - amongst health and safety fears over debris and even possible collapse.
Now, with school funding high on the agenda, cost-effective solutions are more important than ever. We have the appropriate education solution.
Its also worth noting that Algeco are experts in modular buildings as well as containers and work collaboratively with DfE, local authorities, schools, colleges and universities to provide both either permanent or rental solutions from a single classroom to a departmental block or temporary accommodation for a whole school.
Key considerations:
- Cost Savings: Utilising shipping containers for school storage is a cost-effective solution, particularly useful when a school is suffering from a lack of storage space.
- Quick Deployment: Containers can be delivered and start storing equipment for a school in fast turnaround times.
- Scalability: A school can easily add more containers if further storage is needed without significant disruption or delay.
NHS Container Medical Facilities and advancements
We spoke above about the corrosion of the reinforced steel within RAAC and how that has exacerbated structural problems in educational settings, but if an existing healthcare facility was constructed between the 1950s and 1990s, they are likely to also be considering options for a replacement building right now.
The National Health Service (NHS) learned a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how useful containers can be in both unexpected and anticipated scenarios. They implemented an ingenious solution to expand healthcare facilities rapidly, utilising site accommodation units to create temporary medical units for coronavirus testing and vaccination hubs. These facilities helped streamline the testing and vaccination process, offering a secure and efficient environment for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
It is also worth noting that the fundamental purpose of space saving and storage is essential to healthcare estates, and storing equipment in a clean and safe way, freeing up space in existing buildings, can be essential.
Furthermore, Modular and offsite construction solutions also offer a faster, more cost-effective way to deliver high-quality, new NHS buildings, by maximising efficiencies at every level. These solutions can halve the construction time and reduce traffic and noise on site, delivering a more consistent build quality and better thermal performance vs traditional methods. For example, in 2024, a new range of standardised Hygieia Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) from Algeco is helping to alleviate the huge pressure caused by the demand for diagnostic tests within the NHS.
Key Metrics of Success:
- Rapid Deployment: temporary medical facilities can be set up swiftly, helping the NHS respond effectively to evolving needs.
- Cost-Effective: Building permanent medical facilities can be cost-prohibitive, making the implementation of accommodation units a financially prudent choice in some circumstances.
I’m inspired - how can Algeco shipping containers and temporary accommodation help me?
Algeco UK shipping containers are strong and very versatile – which means they are perfect for temporary or permanent storage, or many unique and creative uses for large businesses, SME’s or even for individual use.
Available in a range of sizes from 8 to 40 feet long and in various designs, our containers are stackable, so even when faced with limited space, they can still provide a large amount of storage. Large shipping containers offer a world of untapped potential, allowing forward-thinking owners to innovate and find solutions to diverse challenges. From educational expansions to medical advancements, previously unconventional applications of containers have become more common thanks to a building reputation for adaptability and efficiency.
As you explore container possibilities for your upcoming projects, consider your metrics of success, whether that be cost savings, increased efficiency or any other benefit from thinking outside the box.
