Affordable Thermal System for Container Homes
Problem statement
The global container home market is valued at $65M, with double-digit growth year over year that has been driven by the affordable housing crisis. In California, particularly Los Angeles, where the highest homeless population in the United States resides in numerous container homes, the need for affordable housing is critical. According to the 2010 census, specific areas in Los Angeles county face significant energy burdens due to the high cost of electricity in California, nearly double the national average. Heating and cooling systems, essential for proper shelter, require energy and often drive up this price. The aim of our project is to provide an affordable thermal system, ensuring operational costs remain below $50 per month per unit, aligning with L.A. ‘s Green New Deal objectives of achieving 100% net zero carbon buildings by 2050. This system, tailored for container homes, focuses on manageable upfront costs, minimal energy consumption, and efficient use of space, creating a comfortable living environment while being retrofitted onto existing container home villages or being installed into new container homes.
Team members
Roberts Jansons – leader
Abigail Krause – communicator
Connor McSorley – accountant
Andrew Karbusicky – admin
Client
Greg Chilcote
Trane Technologies