A bespoke energy saving eco-cabin created by J.Murphy & Sons Limited (Murphy) has helped reduce energy use by up to 70 per cent at work sites.
Murphy currently uses 240 eco-cabins at its sites across the UK. Its energy and water saving features include an advanced heating system which allows centralised control, motion sensitive lighting controlled via passive infrared sensors, non-concussive taps (taps where you have to press a button for water to turn on) timed flow urinals and dual flush toilets. These fuel-efficient factors have led to a reduction of around 75 per cent in water consumption and whole lifestyle costs, as well as improve the working environment.
To increase thermal performance, the eco- cabin is double glazed, with wall, floor and roof insulation to form a thermally efficient envelope. Additional features such as extra internal doors and installation of draft strips contribute to reducing heat loss.
Murphy has trialled the energy saving eco-cabins on a number of projects with stunning results. One 12-month project with six open-plan offices, two welfare units and two toilets housed in the cabins produced savings of 55,000 kWh per year compared to similar non-eco structures. This equates to electricity cost savings of around £8,000 per year on average. On similar sites powered by diesel generators, the energy saving eco-cabins can save around 15,000 litres of diesel. On the same typical site and layout, the cabins provide carbon emission savings of up to 215,000kg CO2 and water savings in the region of 300,000 litres per year.
John Coll, Murphy’s divisional director of procurement, plant and transport said: “The energy saving eco- cabins reflect Murphy’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact and providing the best possible facilities for our workforce. The cabins have already proved their worth by making a positive contribution to reducing energy consumption and costs. They are kind to the environment and have been very popular with staff.”
