The built environment contributes to 25% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, according to the UK Environmental Audit Committee. This significant impact underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices across all aspects of construction, including on-site welfare provisions.
As an industry leader, with innovation at the heart of everything we do, Garic is at the forefront of transforming site welfare solutions through the use of cutting-edge, sustainable energy solutions, along with static and mobile welfare units.
On-site welfare units, essential for ensuring worker well-being, are now undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating solutions like solar power and battery storage, these units are not only reducing emissions but also improving operational efficiency.
The role of sustainable welfare units
Under the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), employers must ensure adequate welfare provisions are available for workers. These requirements include but are not limited to, clean drinking water, washing facilities and rest areas.
Welfare units, providing on-site workers with access to essential facilities, such as rest areas, kitchens and toilets, are not only critical in meeting the needs of the workers but also for staying CDM compliant.
However, traditional units, often powered by diesel generators, pose environmental and operational challenges.
With sustainability becoming a cornerstone of modern construction, there is a pressing need to transition to eco-friendly welfare solutions. Garic is offering sustainable alternatives to traditional welfare units that lower environmental impact while prioritising worker comfort.
The challenges of traditional welfare units
Many traditional welfare units rely on diesel generators for power, which brings significant environmental and operational challenges. These challenges can hinder sustainability efforts, increase costs, and create negative impacts on both workers and the surrounding environment.
High carbon footprint
Diesel generators contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, notably carbon dioxide (CO₂). In 2023, the UK’s total CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels were estimated at 285.7 million tonnes, with diesel consumption being a significant contributor.
The construction sector within the UK accounted for approximately 4% of national CO₂ emissions in 2023.
Noise pollution
The continuous operation of diesel generators produces noise levels that can disrupt both nearby communities and site workers.
Noise levels from a typical diesel generator range from 52 dBA to 72 dBA, exceeding thresholds that require mitigation under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Operational costs
Diesel prices in the UK reached record highs in recent years, increasing the operational expenses associated with traditional welfare units. Compliance with fuel storage regulations, such as the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, adds further costs.
In addition to the direct financial impact, fluctuating fuel prices create challenges in budgeting and financial planning for construction projects.
Microgrid: Minimising emissions, noise and costs
At the heart of Garic’s energy solutions is the Microgrid system, a game-changing approach to sustainable power. Combining Solar Power Frames, a Battery Energy Store, and a backup generator, Microgrid can power a 60-person site while minimising emissions, noise, and costs.
Microgrid is:
- Expandable, scalable and capable of adapting to sites of any size with the addition of batteries and high-efficiency generators
- Environmentally friendly, significantly reducing emissions and eliminating noise pollution
- Designed to be cost-effective, lowering lower fuel consumption and cutting operational expenses
Microgrid delivered up to 98% emissions reductions and cost savings of £7,000 for Lancashire County Council.
A sustainable and scalable energy solution designed for efficiency.
Discover more about Microgrid, our site energy generation solution.
Our sustainable power generation solutions include:
Battery Energy Store:
When paired with renewable energy sources, the Battery Energy Store delivers hours of zero-emission, quiet power.
- Up to 80% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions
- Silent, emission-free power
- Compatible with the Solar Power Frame and Solar Energy Store to create a Microgrid
- Telematics makes it easy to record usage for auditing purposes
Solar Power Frame:
This sustainable power generation solution helps sites to minimise generator run time, enabling reductions to fuel costs and carbon emissions.
- Supplies solar power to welfare cabins and accommodation units
- Up to 3.2kW of energy is generated from each Solar Power Frame
- Can be roof mounted on any 24 x 9 units, either Garic or 3rd party units
- Floor mounted giving you the option of increasing solar capture without a roof
- Multiple frames can be connected for larger sites
Solar Energy Store 20:
A sustainable power generation alternative to a diesel generator running 24/7, Solar Energy Store 20 prioritises renewable energy to reduce emissions but also has a backup generator to make sure you’re never without power, no matter the weather or season.
One customer saved £28,570.14 in fuel and 52,242.5 kg in emissions over 166 days.
- A fully automated 24/7 off-grid power supply
- Telematics lets you easily track all key values for auditing purposes
- Maximises clean energy capture with solar panels
- Supported by a backup generator
For further information on any of these products, head over to our site power generation solutions page.
Our most sustainable welfare units
Garic has redefined construction site welfare with innovative, sustainable solutions designed to tackle these challenges head-on. Our latest welfare units go above and beyond industry norms to champion comfort, convenience and sustainability.
Towable Welfare Unit: Armadillo 18 Eco+
- Rainwater harvesting system
- Powered by Microgrid
- Telematics functionality enables data recording and auditing
Static Welfare Unit: Eco Cabin+ 24
- EPC rated A
- Powered by Microgrid
- Integrated telematics
For more information on these products head over to our sustainability page.
The real-world impact
Lancashire County Council – During the refurbishment of public highways and paving in Clitheroe, our Microgrid solution powered multiple units using Solar Power Frames, a Battery Energy Store, and a backup generator. This approach resulted in:
- 35% cost savings (£7,000)
- 98% emissions reduction
“We are very impressed with the service from start to finish. The Regional Account Manager was very good and advised us to try the solar panels, this proved to be very cost-effective with us using much less fuel and also good for our carbon footprint. All the emptying of the tanks and refills were very efficient and on time. A very good service all round.” An LCC Spokesperson.
Siemens Energy – For Siemens Energy’s Moray East Offshore Wind project, the integrated solar power system in our Combi Cabin 24 Eco achieved:
- 76% reduction in generator run hours
- 4671 kg CO2 emissions reduction
- Over £3,500 in fuel cost savings
Ethical Power – In Gloucestershire, Ethical Power tested Garic’s Microgrid solution over 12 weeks for a six-cabin site setup. Results included:
- 90% emissions reduction
- 32% fuel cost savings
For more information on any of these real-world examples, head over to our Case Study section.
Energy management and sustainable welfare
As the construction industry presses towards net-zero emissions, Garic’s blend of state-of-the-art, sustainable power generation and innovative welfare units is setting new standards for sustainability and worker welfare.
Garic is once again proving that construction, innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Discover how Garic can power your site sustainably and efficiently. Contact us today!