East of England Co-op Travel has opened a sustainable ‘eco-pod’ agency as it looks to expand to 20 stores in the next five years.
The branch in Brightlingsea, Essex, is thought to be the first sustainable travel agency structure of its kind in the UK.
It is made of sustainable timber and 80% recycled aluminium, has solar panels and an air-source heat pump, and aims to be carbon negative and to cut electricity bills.
The 55-square-metre pod is airtight to prevent drafts and can operate off-grid, with mains power backup, to reduce CO2 emissions.
The 15-branch agency worked on the project with local company Podular Systems, which specialises in building modular, sustainable units.
The Brightlingsea branch was previously based in the town’s East of England Co-op food store, which closed last year.
The site is now leased to Sainsbury’s, which has agreed the agency can operate in its car park.
There is no rent to pay as the land is owned by Co-op.
The £125,000 pod, built and installed in 10 days, opened on December 23 with the same four agency staff.
It features an outward-facing digital display, which could in future be sponsored by travel companies.
It also has water butts to collect rainwater for the plants surrounding the agency.
Head of travel Caroline Thorne said feedback from customers and staff had been positive.
She described the move as a long-term investment, noting: “We are trying to be as sustainable as we can and reduce our costs. From an efficiency point of view, for heating and electricity it is costing us less money to run it.”
Podular Systems business development manager Mollie Hurcombe said: “As far as we know, this is the first of its kind. It’s the first large commercial property we’ve built, so we threw everything at it. It’s definitely possible for pods this size to be self-sufficient.”
Thorne said the group may consider further eco-pods as it expands. “We’re always looking for sites but with this concept we could go on forecourts, car parks or the sides of buildings. It could be a real winner.
“I’d like to get up towards 20 branches. If I could get another four or five in the next five years that would please me.”
The group last opened a branch in its food store in Woodbridge, Suffolk, in May 2024.