In the developing landscape of green welfare solutions, Welfare Hire remains the UK’s largest hirer of innovative eco efficient mobile welfare units.
Over recent months welfare units boasting silent, generator-free power exclusively through solar energy have emerged. Sarah Butcher, Commercial Manager at Welfare Hire, and a highly respected figure in the sector, delves into the practicality and reliability of this “next generation” solution and helps unpick some of the myths.
As we are all reminded every day, the world is grappling with the consequences of climate change. The increasingly extreme global weather conditions throughout 2023 emphasise the urgency for all nations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The UK, committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, faces challenges in accelerating its progress, as noted by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).
All industries are now compelled to reassess their practices and adopt sustainable alternatives. In this context, Welfare Hire explained its work to date, innovations for the future and also put the latest generator free claims into context.
Harnessing the power of solar technology
While the concept of solar power dates back centuries, its large-scale implementation is a relatively recent phenomenon. The imperative to reduce emissions from electricity production has brought solar power to the forefront. However, before declaring this as a “silver bullet”, Butcher urged some caution, as there are several considerations that must be fully understood and assessed to allow this claim to be put fully into context.
Myth or marvel: is ‘generator-free’ the next evolution in welfare facilities?
Welfare Hire’s commitment to “green welfare without compromise” is core to its strategy, explaied Butcher. Given the industries it supplies eco efficient welfare units to, such as rail, utilities and highways, ensuring reliability in all conditions is paramount. A welfare unit unable to operate fully in adverse autumn or winter conditions could cost the customer thousands, if not tens of thousands in downtime or even worse, site closure.
The unpredictable British weather poses a significant challenge for gen free units continued Butcher, as these units may have to shut down what is erroneously being referred to as “non-essential” welfare provisions. As these units have no power back up, this is to allow the units to not shut down completely through a gradual power supply decline.
Welfare units must consistently supply users with all provisions, stated Butcher – hot water and heating or fridges to keep food chilled are not just important for meeting internal customer company standards, but are vital for consistent high welfare standards, retention of staff and meeting minimum regulatory requirements.
In many instances, in gen free units, batteries have been required to be swapped out to keep these units running during the autumn/winter months. The negative carbon footprint of how these batteries are charged, and importantly, how and the distance required to deliver and fit these on site can be substantial. This could negate or even more than reverse any theoretical eco credentials. In some instances, inefficient diesel generators have even been known to have to be towed to sites and deployed to support these supposedly diesel-free units.
The risk of power loss and subsequent welfare provision disruption is one most infrastructure companies simply cannot afford. For example, in the rail industry the non-provision of full welfare facilities could result in works closure, the cost of which would be significant. The well-being of those on-site is of paramount importance and a lack of on demand facilities poses a high risk to the workforce.
In contrast, Welfare Hire’s 2000+ strong welfare fleet, with an average age of under 2.5 years, boasts innovative and bespoke welfare assets such as the EcoXi, EcoXLi, and EcoWC2. These units not only prioritise usage of solar power to charge highly efficient lithium battery packs, providing essential amenities like hot air and hot water, full canteen facilities, and onboard power points, but also to ensure uninterrupted welfare provision in all weather conditions.
This is achieved via a small, efficient biofuel backup generator with smart stop/start power management system which stands ready as a backup, only drawing power and using minimal fuel when absolutely necessary. It’s vital for customers that welfare assets work regardless of rain/sun/ice, or snow (and during the night!), said Butcher. The generator run time on its units is minimal, optimising co2 savings, but importantly providing certainty – assets must be fit for purpose in all conditions.
Welfare Hire is the only business in the UK that has years of empirical evidence to prove to any client the real solar/lithium run times and the minimal fuel usage of its bespoke units. In contrast, the ‘generator-free’ units face delays due to manual reporting required and additional carbon costs which should be taken into account – e.g. generator delivery (and source of charging) to present accurate data.
Welfare Hire has always been an innovator in the sector providing the most eco efficient assets, but importantly fit for purpose, and without compromise. It will continue to work on new technologies, reducing and ultimately removing carbon sources of energy. As technology improves, it will, as previously, be a first mover embracing innovations.
However, these new technologies must meet our stringent operational criteria to ensure uninterrupted asset reliability and the well-being of the workforce, regardless of what challenges the UK weather might present!
The dialogue surrounding eco-friendly welfare solutions continues to evolve, prompting collaboration, research, and a shared commitment to creating a sustainable future; however as this article demonstrates, any “silver bullet” promises need to be rightly interrogated.
