Using renewable energy to power welfare cabins helps us rely less on fossil fuels and supports our efforts to cut carbon across our projects.
As part of our commitment to decarbonising construction and leading the industry toward net zero, we work with supply chain partner Advanté to deliver solar-powered cabins across our projects.
Between 2023 and 2025, 146 Willmott Dixon sites nationwide used the ‘Oasis EcoLogic Solar Welfare Units’, helping us reduce emissions and running costs while providing reliable, comfortable welfare for our site teams.
Decarbonising daily operations through renewable energy
The cabins provide our construction sites with canteens, offices, toilets, and drying rooms that run primarily on renewable energy. Each cabin integrates roof-mounted solar panels, advanced battery storage, and a low-carbon LPG backup system to create a dependable power source that performs year-round.
Over the two-year monitoring period, they operated on renewable energy for almost 90% of the time, even during the darker winter months. This demonstrates how effective hybrid solar technology can be in meeting our site demands without compromising comfort or performance.
Cutting carbon with a hybrid approach
Advanté’s EcoLogic Solar hybrid system delivers an intelligent balance between solar generation, energy storage, and efficient backup power:
- 50% of total electrical energy came directly from solar power.
- 33% was delivered through battery discharge, storing excess solar energy for use at night, on shorter or cloudy days.
- The remainder came from LPG – a much cleaner and more efficient alternative to diesel.
This smart energy mix ensures each unit maintains consistent operation while dramatically reducing the environmental impact of traditional site welfare.
Accelerating our path to net zero
The hybrid solar system delivers a smart balance between solar generation, energy storage, and efficient backup power.
By replacing traditional diesel-powered units, we achieved impressive results over the two years:
- £450,000 in cost savings over two years, driven by reduced fuel use and maintenance.
- 1,000+ tonnes of carbon saved, thanks to using gas bottles instead of diesel — equivalent to roughly one-third of Willmott Dixon’s total carbon footprint.
- Noticeable reductions in air and noise pollution, improving site conditions for both workers and surrounding communities.
Solar-hybrid welfare units have significantly reduced our reliance on fossil fuels, cutting fuel deliveries and refuelling disruptions while maintaining full operational capability. This demonstrates that major carbon reductions are achievable today through practical, scalable solutions, supporting our journey toward net zero operational carbon by 2030.
