Emmaus Salford, partnered with the University of Salford and construction firm, Casey, to develop an energy-efficient sleeping pod. The pod, which will help people who are street homeless, has now been completed at University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0.
Energy House 2.0, has been designed to help create the energy efficient homes of the future. The unique facility will research and test, in tightly controlled conditions, new ways of powering, heating and insulating homes, making them more energy efficient and helping to meet new standards which require a significant reduction in carbon emissions for new build homes from 2025.
As part of a project with Emmaus Salford, a prototype pod has gone through a series of tests at Energy House 2.0, to measure energy efficiency and has been refurbished to the highest thermal standards. Casey has been working in collaboration with Emmaus Salford to develop the prototype pod with support from Protectal Ltd.
Jackie Smith, Business Development Manager of Emmaus Salford, says:
“Casey have been a long-time supporter of Emmaus Salford. In the last few years, we have received a donation of several portacabins from them. We were recently included into the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0, and with continued support from Casey, this has enabled us to bring to life our ambition of repurposing one of these structures. The finished project will include solar energy and external artwork. It’s been a real privilege to be involved in this project.”
Emmaus Salford plan to use the ‘sleeping pod’ in a versatile way at their current site, from temporary accommodation to isolation areas and office space. Emmaus Salford will be able to take it with them when they are required to move in the future due to Salford City Council’s plans to develop the Pendleton area.
John Walmsley, Direct Services Manager at Casey, said: “We are delighted to have supported this initiative working alongside our great partners Emmaus and Salford University. The whole essence of the initiative fits our company purpose of improving lives. Homelessness is a major issue in Greater Manchester and helping those people affected is something we feel passionately about. On completion of the work, the pods will provide a decent level of comfort for those using them, this is a fantastic achievement by all involved and something we are proud to be a part of”.