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The term “pop up shop” has become common currency these days, but it hasn’t generally meant a store that actually pops up. Until now, that is. BizBox is as its name says: A business space in a box. This self contained, towable, solar powered space can be brought to its destination by your average consumer level truck, then it pops open and expands outward to reveal a functioning space, flexible for a variety of uses. In these uncertain economic times, having a business space that does not require the commitment of a lease or up-front build out costs is extremely appealing since it reduces risk. BizBox may have the perfect timing.
More than a converted Uhaul trailer, these are polished, professional spaces, and, according to the company, BizBox's batteries can store up to 5 days of power (depending upon power use and conditions) without connecting to the grid. Given that it has four 135kW solar panels capable of producing 1000W of power a day, and can automatically switch between its own gas generator and grid connected power, this seems plausible. To optimize solar intake, the panels themselves can be rotated.
To minimize need for electric lighting, the BizBox makes use of two Solatube light wells that channel light from above and disperse it through the space, along with a substantial portion of the walls (once opened) having 1/4” thick glass panels. Further, the steel walls are 3” thick, with insulation, whereas most mobile structures, BizBox claims, use 1”, with the same or no insulation.
With the ability to flex with its owners needs, functioning as a retail store, dentist office, convention demo space, disaster relief facility, or whatever other uses they can think of, the BizBox looks to be an impressive tool, both for the owner, and for building public awareness about the possibilities green building holds.
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Paul Smith is a sustainable business innovator, the founder of GreenSmith Consulting, and has an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco. He creates interest in, conversations about, and business for green (and greening) companies, via social media marketing.
Paul Smith is a sustainable business innovator, the founder of GreenSmith Consulting, and has an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco. He creates interest in, conversations about, and business for green (and greening) companies, via social media marketing. || ==> For more, see GreenSmithConsulting.com
