The challenge

Reducing waste by repurposing empty shipping containers for social good, specifically student and refugee housing. Europe has high shipping container disposal costs compared to other ports. Shipping companies haul empty containers to ports with cheaper disposal costs, and some will even dump containers overseas in spite of increasing regulations. These containers are recycled and downcycled by the disposal companies. The costs and energy consumed by moving empty containers away from Europe can be reduced if there was a local market for the reusable containers. The Netherlands, like many countries, is also having a housing crisis. This greatly impacts students and refugees who have fewer resources.

The solution

Purchase and repurpose empty shipping containers to create affordable housing. Work with local government and other partners to place in areas where they are most needed. These housing solutions are standardized to reduce costs and make it easier to produce higher volumes. Place in a mix of remote/strategic locations and have some on trailers to make the containers easily transportable and deployable in high-need situations.

Mission

To upcycle shipping containers into affordable, and sustainable housing solutions for those in need.