How Welfare Hire’s ECOWC2 Toilet Pod can help rail contractors save energy during Big Energy Saving Week 2025

Insight from Andy Grashon, Group Commercial Director at Welfare Hire Nationwide

With 2025 well underway, energy costs are soaring and meeting sustainability targets has never been more critical, particularly for contractors working in the rail industry.

Big Energy Saving Week 2025 – an initiative designed to help individuals and organisations reduce their energy consumption, manage costs more effectively, and lower their carbon footprint – is here and is the perfect opportunity to explore how rail projects can drive forward with their energy conservation.

At Welfare Hire Nationwide, we’re here to support rail contractors in tackling these challenges head-on with smarter, more efficient site facilities.

Our ECOWC2 Toilet Pod combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, to help contractors reduce energy consumption, cut emissions, and deliver greener rail projects. Below are five ways our unique welfare solution can make rail sites more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective:

1. Use less: built for energy efficiency

Solar power is a clean and readily available alternative to fossil fuels. According to research, an acre of solar panels producing zero-emissions electricity saves between 121 to 138 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The ECOWC2 delivers clean, renewable energy thanks to its integrated solar panels, providing clean, renewable energy that reduces reliance on diesel or grid power for 100% silent, green running all year round.

But that’s not all. The ECOWC2 is equipped with a smart hibernation mode that powers down during periods of inactivity, eliminating wasted energy and lowering running costs. For rail contractors working on tight budgets, these features make a measurable difference in both operational efficiency and environmental impact.

2. Work smarter: intelligent technology for rail sites

Managing a busy rail project comes with challenges; resourcing, planning and logistics to name just a few. At Welfare Hire, we believe energy management shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why the ECOWC2 includes advanced telemetry systems that make energy-saving effortless.

These systems provide real-time data on everything from energy use to water levels and servicing needs. Need to know when the waste tank needs emptying or how much capacity you have ahead of a project? The ECOWC2 gives you instant answers.

For rail contractors, this means fewer services, streamlined site operations, and more efficient use of resources. It’s all about saving time, cutting costs, and focusing on what really matters – keeping your rail project on track.

3. Track and report your sustainability wins

Rail projects are under increasing scrutiny when it comes to sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance. Being able to measure and share your progress isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s now a must!

Monitored with telemetry, the ECOWC2 provides full water twin WC, wash and changing facilities for 20 colleagues requiring only one single service per 10 weeks. The unit’s bespoke monitoring technology makes it easy to track your energy and water usage, generate detailed reports, and share your sustainability achievements with stakeholders. Whether you’re bidding for new contracts or demonstrating compliance with industry regulations, these insights can set your rail project apart.

4. Make onsite energy conservation easier

Saving energy doesn’t have to be complicated. The ECOWC2 is designed with rail workers in mind, featuring intuitive controls and user-friendly systems that make energy-saving effortless.

For example, the unit’s non-chemical water toilet system uses rainwater harvesting to drastically reduce water usage. The ECOWC2 comes with a built-in XL 600L tank capacity and 100% water system to supply two separate WC cubicles. These innovative features not only support sustainability, wellbeing and HSE goals but also create a more reliable and cost-effective solution for rail sites.

5. Reduce waste and cut emissions

One of the biggest challenges for rail contractors is the environmental impact of servicing welfare units – particularly on remote or hard-to-access sites. The uniquely towable ECOWC2 solves this with low carbon, low risk and low-cost delivery and setup, as well as XL water and waste tanks that require far fewer servicing trips.

Combined with smart telemetry, which alerts you to servicing needs in real-time, this feature reduces unnecessary HGV journeys and eliminates wasted resources. It’s a win-win for your project’s budget and the planet.

Leading rail towards a sustainable future

At Welfare Hire Nationwide, we believe rail contractors have a unique opportunity to lead the way in energy conservation. The ECOWC2 Toilet Pod is a perfect example of how innovative welfare solutions can help you cut energy usage, improve site efficiency, and deliver greener rail projects.

With Big Energy Saving Week 2025 here, now is the perfect time to rethink how we manage energy onsite. By adopting smarter solutions like the ECOWC2, we can make rail sites more sustainable, more efficient, and more successful for everyone working in the industry.

Ready to green your welfare facilities? Talk to the experts.

Get in touch with Welfare Hire Nationwide today to discover how the ECOWC2 Toilet Pod and our other innovative welfare solutions can help you save energy and deliver outstanding results. To find out more visit https://www.kellinggroup.com/welfare-hire/

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