It’s never too late to start thinking about our environment.

You always hear people talking about “going green,” but very few mean it. 

The reality of the matter is that it requires minimal effort to give back to the world we live in, and it starts by making a couple of simple choices, like building greener structures. 

Shipping containers are designed to be environmentally effective from their core, including the entire design and building process.

These structures are currently revolutionising the industry by combining architecture with sustainability. While your view of sustainable living might still be unclear, it is one of the best sustainable options available right now. 

Here is a look at 7 reasons why shipping container houses are your next sustainable move. 



#1 - Cost-Effective
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Container homes are one of the most cost-effective developments on the market. 

Compared to regular residence developments, container homes are only bound to set you back roughly between $15,000 - $50,000 depending on size. 

The fact that container homes are highly energy-efficient means that property owners can save substantial amounts of money when it comes to energy bills. 

Container homes provide an affordable sustainable solution to building a new home. This is reinforced by the home decor team behind Tow and Line who explain “smaller homes can mean spending less on design features. Which means you can still invest in a standard of living that feels right for you, and end up saving considerably in the back pocket.”

#2 - Natural Insulation

Considering how hot it continues to get with each passing year, the wisest thing to do is to invest in greener architecture. 

Container homes can be located anywhere and can handle any climate. 

There are many ways to naturally insulate your container home such as: 

• Green roofing
• Solar power capabilities 
• Recycled materials (denim, cotton etc.) 

At the same time, their greenery promotes moisture around the structures, creating a pleasant environment both inside and outside the structures. 

For areas that experience sweltering dry weather, container homes can prove beneficial for those residing in such buildings. Shipping containers also offer natural fire resistance, which is key for protecting your safety, with fire safety experts FireRite noting, “it is more important now than ever before, that the quality of fire protection and life safety systems are fit for purpose.”

#3 - Efficiency 

As mentioned earlier, container homes are way more energy-efficient than conventional ones. 

Most of these structures derive their power from renewable energy resources such as wind power, hydropower, and solar power – things that also help improve the quality of air indoors. 

It is worth noting that a majority of these structures are designed to reuse greywater and rainwater, two resources that are often left to go to waste. 

At the same time, the materials used to build such structures are often eco-friendly recycled materials. This importance on sustainable living is echoed by the team at Eden Retirement Living who note, “sustainable living is a lifestyle and one more people are choosing to make. We believe that creating homes that reduce our overall carbon footprint is a step in the right direction.”

If a green building is not an option for you right now, you can still make changes to reduce your environmental impact. You don’t have to live in a green building to reduce your carbon footprint, there are many energy efficient products out there that anyone can add to their home, such as power saving lights and high efficiency hot water systems.

#4 - Improved Overall Health

As we’ve already seen, containers promote sustainability and are environmentally-friendly.However, what a lot of people do not know is that these structures still offer tons of other health benefits. 

Container architecture does a great job of reducing pollution, which is known to impact our health negatively. 

Moreover, it is believed that this construction approach also plays a role in improving mental health. 

Green structures like containers have been quite beneficial, especially when it comes to managing SBS or “Sick Building” Syndrome, a condition brought on by living in an unhealthy environment. 

#5 - Flexibility 

Thanks to the existing infrastructure that moves them by sea, road, and rail, containers have tremendous flexibility in how/where they are built, how they are moved, and even how they are used.

Container structures can be built extremely fast

The flexibility of containers is all about giving yourself options. 

You aren’t locked into a size, building site, construction location, or timeline unless you want to be. 

Containers put you in the driver’s seat of your destiny and allow you to choose what, how, and when to build the perfect building for you. 

#6 - High ROI 

Container homes are currently a rare find. So by investing in your own you may be able to sell for significant ROI down the line as they are valued very highly. 

As the days go by, their value is set to continue rising. 
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So, let’s say you want to sell a container home, you could make back the money you spent on constructing the property and its maintenance - and then some!

Residential house designers Modern Day Concepts have found that “our clients who build to sell and choose to incorporate green features into their design always have great demand for their property once it is completed. Eco-friendly homes are becoming more and more in demand every year, and it adds great value to the property. If you aren’t building, it is possible to renovate your existing home to add value through green design.”

#7 - Improved Standards of Living 

More people today are going with green architecture not because it is the most cost-effective option, but because they enhance the quality of life. 

Green structures maintain a balance between building and nature, something that conventional structures fail to provide. Finding ways to surround yourself with nature, whether that is living in a green building or adding a few houseplants to your home can help reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Humans evolved with nature, and its important to balance all of the concrete and technology with some greenery.

It’s been observed that people who live in green homes enjoy better sleep and are less stressed than those who do not. 

There is a reason why experts are requesting people to start investing in sustainable buildings.

Are you ready for a shipping container home?

There is no doubt that the idea behind green architecture is one that is beneficial to us, the people. 

There are many things to consider when designing and constructing your new home.

Why not build a structure that not only provides shelter but also has a positive impact on your pocket, your standard of living and your overall health? 

Besides, it’s always a good thing to consider the environment now and then.

Need more convincing? Here’s why having a container is beneficial compared to regular housing.