Leading Hire firm JPS invest in award-winning welfare units to expand its offering to construction clients

Leading tool and plant hire firm, JPS, has invested in sustainable eco welfare units as it continues showing its ongoing commitment towards the environment and supporting the construction industry in becoming carbon net zero. These bespoke units are also designed to improve comfort and drive-up standards across the board, within the industry, with JPS’ 16ft and 20ft models being the largest units of their length available on the market.

It is common knowledge that the UK Government aims to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 and every firm by now should have sustainability at the top of its agenda. However, it’s important to not only be driving innovation where it reduces CO2 output but to also consider additional standards that could be improved including safety, comfort and wellbeing. By investing in newly built self-contained welfare units, JPS is ensuring it is playing its part in reducing its impact on the planet whilst also leading the way in site and team welfare. Its units include features such as:

-        Solar hybrid systems to reduce fuel consumption and generator time as well as solar charging for laptops and phones with USB-C ports

-        PIR-activated LED lighting, hot water and air blown heating with no need for a generator to run

-        Low fuel consumption with estimated diesel savings averaging £120 per week vs a standard unit

-        Ultra-low CO2 emissions with HVO fuel

-        Automatic start/stop generator means less noise and improved air quality as well as diesel reduction

-        Fully fitted telematics to report on energy usage and reach C02 targets

It also operates the largest cabins on the market, at 16ft, 20 and 21ft, with extended ceilings and separate office and leisure areas, providing a larger internal space for a workforce that adds to their comfort and wellbeing.

Shane Walker, General Manager at JPS says, “We are extremely pleased to have expanded our sustainable offering by adding these welfare cabins to our fleet.

“At JPS we are passionate about leading the way within our industry to safeguard the future of our planet but also to provide our customers with a more cost-effective solution. 

“Currently, the infrastructure and transport industries contribute towards 42% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. These units have become one of our key offerings and support the 70% electric fleet of our JPS Platforms division which also aims to reduce our carbon output.”

Not only will the new welfare cabins support climate goals but it will also support construction clients in meeting their legal obligations. In 2018, a UNITE Construction Industry survey found that 17% of UK and Ireland construction sites had no access to drinking water and 18% had no access to toilet facilities. Welfare units provide essential amenities for on-site workers as well as a place for dedicated respite. 

It is currently a legal requirement for substantially sized construction sites to provide their employees with welfare facilities however, making sure these are of the utmost quality can lead to increased productivity, lower instances of absence, retention of talented employees and attraction of new ones, and a generally more engaged workforce.

Since being acquired by UK Hire Group in 2022, JPS has grown from strength to strength, expanding its offering and growing its already 70% electric fleet to support its clients with their internal climate goals. As well as this, the firm was also named one of the top 30 powered access companies in the UK by Cranes and Access as part of its annual survey.