Container Technology Information Glossary

Composting Toilet-
A toilet that is not connected to the normal water and sewer system, and can operate odorlessly without such connections. The technology uses natural bacteria to decompose the solid waste and thus named composting toilet. The solids dry out as sawdust or organic matter are introduced, then the composting process digests the fecal solids into rich, odorless, garden soil.

Conex Box-
The name given to the ISO shipping container by the US military back in the '70's, meaning Con tainer Express . There are generally no other differences and the Conex Box term is now seldom used. The military now prefer to use the terms; box, container, or ISBU if for storage or construction.

Container Home-
A home or building, constructed from an ISBU (shipping container) base. The term Container Home is often misused by some modular and prefab manufacturers. The true Container home must be constructed of one, or multiple ISBU Modules to qualify as a true Container home.

Container Technology-
Referring to everything related to the various types of uses and modification processes of ISO shipping containers.

Corrosion-
Corrosion is more than simply rust.  Corrosion is a response when  water, salts, pollutants and other chemicals come in contact with most metals and actually eats deeply into the metal and dissolves it.  One metal that is non-corrosive is Corten steel, widely used in marine, freeway and bridge construction. Other the non-corrosive metals are gold, platinum, silver.  Corten steel is always used in the construction of true ISO shipping containers.

Corten steel-
Also known as "Weathering Steel", because it withstands weather and is the only steel that is non-corrosive and will not rust out. Corten steel does oxidize which looks like the beginning of rust, but the oxidation stops and never will become rust or corrosion to deteriorate the Corten steel. Corten steel is more than 40% stronger than the common mild steel and some test as much as 75%. Corten steel (Cor-ten) is the copyrighted name owned by US Steel company.

Cor-Ten steel- 
(see Corten)The original and legal name for Corten steel, however the manufacturing trade generally refers to it as Corten. Used on newer ships, bridges, shipping containers, and outdoor steel art work because it only oxidizes and does not generally rust or corrode as normal ‘mild’ steel does.

Corrugated-
Any material with a wavy "S", "W", or "U" like design. Usually used when referring to paper boxes or metal; Corrugated metal. Corrugated material have significantly greater strength than flat, non-corrugated designs.

Digital Security-
The new security systems for monitoring home, children, day care, office, and business production facilities.  They are PC based digital technology which also allows the Remote viewing of all cameras over the internet.  Ideal technology for prefabs, and ISBU construction. Best when integrating CAT-5 and video cables during the new construction process. [see Home Automation]

DIY-
This term means Do It Yourself (DIY); usually meaning it is a simple project that can be done either by a Consumer or Professional. DIY house plans; DIY construction projects. Without the use of an experienced Professional.

Dormitory-
Commonly thought of student housing at colleges and universities, but also a dormitory is employee housing. Shipping container based construction has become a new trend globally for safe and attractive dormitories and student housing facilities.

Dry Shipping Container-
A standard 20', or 40' shipping container used to ship dry, non-agricultural cargo such normal boxes and commodities is referred to as Dry.  Dry just means the common shipping container for common commodities. They are manufactured in both GP and HC heights.

Eco Construction-
Construction that is friendly to the environment, using recyclable materials and energy efficient. However, the term is very loosely used with almost any construction and very difficult for the Consumer to separate and understand.  ISBU Modules are one of the few true Eco construction frame-bases and materials.

Eco Insulation-
Insulation that is highly efficient, non-toxic and safe to humans and the environment. ISBA recognizes only two Eco insulations at this time that are safe, non-toxic, fire retardant, and highly efficient. EPS foam board, Cellulose, Closed-cell sprayfoam insulation, Magnesium oxide, and Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP).

Emergency Housing-
Mobile, ready to use housing for use in disaster areas.  The US government FEMA department uses, expensive, dangerous and toxic trailer homes, even though there are hundreds of thousands of shipping containers available from coast to coast. Other countries manufacture extremely safe, durable, reusable, and cost effective ISBU based Emergency housing. Much of which comes from Asia (China).

Emergency Shelters- [see Emergency Housing]

Emissive-
A material or coating with the reflective ability to radiate UV light, heat, and radiation. These materials should not be confused with Insulation. These coatings or materials are very efficient deflectors, but not actual insulators.

Emissivity-
A means to measure much a material absorbs ‘UV light, heat, and radiation. The measurement of an Emissive material. Example: An extremely shiny object can be 0.0 emissivity, compared to a black object which will be 1.0Energy Efficient-A product, group of products, or home that conserves and uses less energy than previous standard technology.

EPS Foam Board-
A widely used Eco sustainable insulation due to it’s length of life, non decomposition, moisture resistance, recyclability, and no CFC’s during manufacture or use. EPS blocks or panels also have superior strengths aside from their outstanding insulative properties. EPS foam is not Styrofoam. EPS is a closed-cell foam insulation board. Styrofoam is a much different foam and chemical composition.

Flat Pack Housing-
Often confused as ‘Shipping Containers’. A growing, but possibly dangerous housing trend mostly in Europe and Africa and which modules resemble ISO type ISBU modules and ISO type shipping containers, however, they are often constructed with very thin gauge aluminum and low quality materials. The Flat Pack housing is shipped flat, then opened and assembled on site.  ...not the same quality and safety as normal Prefab, Modular, or ISBU based Prefab construction.

Note: Not to be confused with Flat rack shipping containers, or Flat Packed ISO shipping containers for on-site assembly is generally referred to as an ISBU Domestic. (See ISBU Domestic)

Flooring- (shipping container flooring)
ISBU or shipping container flooring is made of various woods, adhesives, and pesticides from the factory which dissipate over time. The woods used in the flooring are similar to plywood but usually the top layers are a hard wood ply for durability over time.

Geo-Air Technology-
A form of Geothermal Energy. It only uses the natural earth temperature of the soil 6’’-8’ below the surface as the heat/cooling energy source. In most climates of the world the temperature remains 50 F- 60 F year around. The inexpensive Geo-Air process uses HDPE tubes to circulate the air from the soil to the home or greenhouse. 

GeoExchange Systems-
A term for using the earth’s energy for heating/cooling. The constant earth temperature in the earth is utilized by either 4” Geo-Air corrugated tubes, or 3/4” Geo-Liquid tubes. Geo-Air is often the most economical method for most GeoExchange applications.

Geo-Solar Technology-
An energy technology which utilizes both Solar Panels and Geo-Air or Geo-Liquid to achieve the highest energy efficiency, especially in colder climates. We are referring to ‘Solar Heat Panels’ that only generate heat, not ‘Photo Voltaic Panels which generate electricity.

Geothermal Energy-
A general term for ground and earth energy. Often misused, utilizing hot and super-hot water from the earths sub-surface to heat homes, greenhouses, aquaculture, and even create electricity. Although the term ‘Geothermal Energy’ can include all types of Geo energy, it is generally used only in reference to high heat Geothermal.

GP Container-
Meaning General Purpose container which are 8’6” in height. Not to be confused with HC or HQ containers.

Greywater- (Grey Water)
The wastewater from a home or business that is not from the toilet. Greywater is the cleaner water from sinks, baths, and laundry, which is recycled and filtered for other uses.

Green Business-
Any business which promotes the use, sale, or manufacturing of Eco-Green technology that Recycles, Saves Energy, and is non-Polluting. These type businesses are some of the most profitable and fastest growing business trends globally since 2008.

Green Construction-
Building construction methods using Recyclable, Sustainable, Energy efficient, and non-Polluting products, materials, and technologies. The new trend of ISBU shipping container based construction is one of the most ideal construction bases for Green construction technologies.

Green Cube-
Another ​name in the Eco-Green communities for a shipping container due to its sustainability and recyclable features, primarily when a shipping container is used to house or accommodate Green energy and Grow Room technologies.

Green Energy-
Energy sources that are non-polluting, renewable, and sustainable, consisting of Solar energy, Wind turbines, Bio-fuels, and Geothermal energy.

Greenhouse-
A secure building structure for growing of fruits, vegetables, and other plants; providing protection from wind, cold, heat and insects. There are many forms of greenhouses, including the standard, hydroponic, and sunless greenhouses which are underground for insulation, and use LED lights to provide all necessary UV light forms.

Green Roof-
A traditional type roofing in the UK which is now being adapted using new technologies, providing insulation, air purification, and even food sources for many home owners and communities.  The ISBU shipping container based home is the strongest and most ideal structure for supporting Green roof technology.

Grid-
Referring to an electrical Grid; traditional power companies and LP/propane gas companies. A Grid is a national network of energy. [ see Off-Grid ]

HC-
The taller type shipping container which is 1’ taller than the GP container. Referring specifically to an ISO shipping container that is 1 foot taller than the standard 8'9" container. HQ, or HC means high cube and is 9'6". HQ-Another term for an HC shipping container. 
(see HQ)

Haib-
The term Haib is actully a brand name of popular crane trucks. A type of crane truck for smaller lifting jobs. The Haib crane is mounted to the truck near the cab which allows the crane to load and off-load contents. Larger crane trucks are not considered Haib

Hardwood-
Our reference to hardwoods is mostly regarding the super-hardwoods that are the most sustainable (long life) and maintenance free. Meaning they will last a life time at a lower cost. The best hardwoods for indoor or outdoor use are Balau, and Teak. All other hardwoods are in a category far below these two. Bamboo is sometimes included in this category, thought it’s not technically a hardwood. 

Home Automation-
A complete system utilizing electronic and digital technologies to save energy, control lighting, appliances, security cameras, alarms, and audio-video multimedia functions for the entire home.  This now includes the exact energy control of solar panels, solar heating, wind turbines and battery storage units.

Home Decor-
The design, furnishing and decorating of the home or apartment; the products used to decorate a home. Home Decor is fast becoming a very important technology for sustainable, and smaller home designs.

Hybrid Container Home-
A shipping container home using mixed materials, and not all units are comprised of ISBU modules. An example would be two (2) shipping containers placed 30' apart, and the span between them would be constructed of wood or metal spans to create a room(s) and roof. Another example is a standard 'stick-built', or concrete home, with one or more ISBU modules inserted for aesthetic or structure.

Hydroponic-
A method of greenhouse growing using water with nutrients in it rather than putting the plants in soil. The Hydroponic method is excellent for many types of vegetables and produce; faster growing, more production per square foot, and better control of nutrients.

Infrastructure-
The internal structure of something, not the outer shell.  If a home is made using ISBU shipping containers then the infrastructure is the steel of the ISBU and all other parts of the home are built around it. The foundation may be concrete, but the infrastructure is ISBU.

Intermodal Shipping Container-
Inter-modal (multi-modes). An ISO container standardized and approved by the International Maritime Organization with a CSC safety certification. The standardized containers allow cargo to be loaded into one container, then moved by truck, rail, ship, then rail or truck again at their destination while the contents remain in the same container.

 ISBU-
ISBU is the short term for Intermodal Steel Shipping Unit.  It’s simply a steel Module. An ISO shipping container shell that is not used for shipping, but the steel shell is used for residential or commercial storage or construction.  If a home is built with 7 shipping containers, we say it is built with 7 ISBU Modules or 7 ISBU’s because they are technically no longer ISO shipping containers.  ISBU and containers are the same thing, however a shipping container could still be used for shipping. There are two types of ISBU Modules: Maritime, and Domestic. Often confused.

ISBU, Domestic-
The same size specifications as a normal ISBU or Shipping Container, however they are not necessarily engineered for use in the Maritime shipping industry. They are made for use only within a country for truck deliveries. The ISBU Domestic is engineered to stack 3 containers high, vs 9 containers high for a Maritime container.

ISBU, Maritime-
This is the most commonly used ISBU Module due to their availability. A Maritime type ISBU is an ISO container engineered to be stacked 9 units high during shipping when fully loaded.

ISO-
This is thee international term for the standardized manufacturing of almost everything. ISO (International Standardization Organization).  Shipping containers and ISBU modules are standardized in size for safety, consistent manufacturing, and easier transport by sea, rail, truck, and air.  Example: ISO Containers.

LED Lighting-
Light sources that use Light Emitting Diodes to create the light rather than incandescent or fluorescent sources. The LED is the brightest, most economical and energy efficient lighting source today, lasting 10-20 years per LED.  LED lighting is also now used to provide Full Spectrum, and UV light to greenhouse plants in full spectrum and at an energy savings of 50-90%.  LED's are now the growing basis of the Sunless Greenhouse trend.

Local Grown Foods-
Foods that are grown within100 miles of their consumption.  Either growing your own foods or buying from local growers assures higher quality, better flavors, and less transport pollution from the vehicles which normally carry the food 1000's of miles to the consumer. Many consumers are very concerned also about being so dependent on other countries for our food supplies. Your personal greenhouse, patio garden, and outdoor garden can help to eliminate that concern.

Pod-
Another term for module, unit, or container. Generally referring to a small module.

Portable Housing-
Structures that can be moved easily from one location to another.  The ideal portable housing base is an ISBU (shipping container) The ideal portable housing can be trucked, shipped, and transported with no special equipment or over-sized trucks.

Portable Storage Containers-
Usually referring to genuine ISO shipping containers (ISBU), or ISO certified storage containers (CSC) which the ISBU Association certifies as safe for storage and certain construction. Check with your dealer before buying  to be certain your Portable Storage Containers are ISBU or Certified Storage Containers (CSC type). For safety and recyclability your storage container must either be ISBU or CSC type.

Pre-built Housing-
A home built in pieces inside a factory, then transported by multiple truck loads to the destination site and assembled.  Usually allowing a lower construction price, better quality control, and faster construction time.  The same is being done with ISBU shipping containers and the homes, hotels and apartments have much stronger construction, lower cost and faster construction time. A pre-built  home created by multiple ISBU's will have 2-5 times more strength in an earthquake tornado, or hurricane than a standard modular home. 

Prefab-
A home built in pieces inside a factory, then transported by multiple truck loads to the destination site and assembled.  Usually allowing a lower construction price, better quality control, and faster construction time.  The same is being done with ISBU shipping containers and the homes, hotels and apartments have much stronger construction, lower cost and faster construction time. A prefab home created by multiple ISBU's will have 2-5 times more strength in an earthquake tornado, or hurricane than a standard modular home.

Prefab Schools-
Classrooms that are built in a factory then trucked and assembled to the site for final assembly. [see Prefab]

Recyclable-
A product or substance that can be re-used again or used for another purpose.  To recycle a can, we melt it down and use the aluminum for another can or create some other aluminum product for construction.  Recycling reduces waste, energy, and pollution and keep our environment clean. [see Up-Cycling]

R-factor-
The level, or efficiency rating of insulation; R-19, R-25; also called R-value.  The higher the number, the more efficient the insulation is in heating and cooling.

Reflective Coating-
Related to housing and construction; a coating on a roof or building that will reflect the heat before it enters the building skin. Different than insulation, a reflective coating is on the exterior and not usually the interior. Ceramic coatings are a good example of inexpensive Reflective Coatings. Roll-off-Another term for Slide-off delivery [see Slide-off]

Rust-
An extreme form of oxidation. Rust and corrosion cause damage to metals. Rust is the second step of oxidation.
[see Oxidation, Corrosion]

Safe Room-
A safe room is often one room or area of a home, school, or office building that can protect the occupants from some deadly force, either natural or man made.  In some areas people have a safe room under or attached to their home in the event of tornado, hurricane, earthquakes, or even violence.  A growing trend is to simply add an ISBU to, or under a home or office for the ultimate protection in the event of any emergency or disaster.  It's very affordable, simple, comfortable, and extremely versatile.

Shipping Container-
Also known as ISO shipping container, or ISBU module; it is a standardized steel box specifically used to ship cargo internationally and locally and designed to fit on ships, trucks, rail, and airplanes to easily go anywhere in the world. Because it must be bumped, banged, dropped, and stacked on by 5 or 8 other heavy shipping containers during transport, the ISO shipping container is the strongest mobile storage or housing structure in the world. Build with heavy gauge Corten steel frame and shell, it will not rust or corrode and easily repaired.

SIR-
A Structural Integrity Report (SIR) was a comprehensive inspection process and detailed report developed and implemented by the Container Home Association and its Advisory Board in 2008 that certifies used shipping containers for strength and toxic safety and also verifies the container with its CIN ID code, which is unique to every shipping container, and stamped on various areas of the container during the manufacturing process. From 2009 to 2013, the SIR inspections were considered essential for obtaining building permits from government inspectors. Since local building departments and lenders now have a better understanding of ISBU construction, there has been little demand for the SIR inspections since 2014.

SIPS-Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS). 
A strong sandwich panel used in the construction industry. SIPS are pre-made panels usually consisting of OSB-EPS foam board-OSB. The EPS insulation in the middle of the OSB panels. SIPS, however, can be any outside layer with EPS foam in the center. Steel, aluminum, plywood, concrete, and magnesium oxide sheets can be used. Although a SIP is quite durable, the labor and cost is generally higher than ISBU Module construction.

Skins-
As related to housing and ISBU container home construction, a skin on the outside of the home. The Infrastructure may be wood, aluminum, plywood, or an ISBU module, but the Skin can be wood siding, stucco, brick or any other material to look nice. Skin: the exterior of a home or office.

Slide-off-
A delivery method for ISO containers using a tilt-flatbed truck, that when the truck bed is activated and tilts, the ISO container slides-off the back of the truck bed and on to the ground. Solar Heating-Simply, it is using the sun to heat surfaces of the interior of a home or office. Also the heating and storing of water heated by the sun during the day to later heat the structure or bath water. Solar heating is very cheap and simply, but very unused by most consumers.

Solar Panel-
A Solar panel is a group of solar-electric cells which generate electricity when the sun strikes the surface. The simplest example is the calculator in your pocket, purse, or briefcase. We have been using solar cells and solar panels on a small scale very efficiently for at least 20 years.  Today, solar panels are very low, highly efficient and flexible for any home owner to easily create their own power supply with very little maintenance.

Steel Building-
A building structure utilizing steel frame and or steel siding to create a strong structure.  The steel buildings are seen from farms to the beautiful high rises in the city. An ISBU is simply a pre-made steel cube ready for many types of construction.

Storage Units-
A building or cubical for the safe storing of products and equipment; usually thin metal or aluminum. The ideal storage unit for homes, farms, construction, businesses, or rental units are ISBU based storage units which can be purchased and modified usually for less than buying a thin metal or wood shed.

Sustainable Housing-
Possibly the most "over used" and maybe meaningless word in our vocabulary the past 8 years. It should mean: long life with limited effort to maintain. So we will leave it there for our definition of Sustainable Housing.  ...if any type housing is "Sustainable" it would be housing constructed from the base of multiple ISBU shipping containers. or concrete ...sustainable everything.

Sunless Greenhouse-
A greenhouse, often underground for insulation purposes,  the inexpensive UV lighting provided by LED technology.  The demand for a strong inexpensive structure to withstand the weight of 2-6 feet of earth has led to the use of ISBU for the underground greenhouse. Previously, expensive UV grow lights, metal halide and reinforced concrete structures were the only option. Today, LED and ISBU are making Sunless Greenhouse extremely affordable and realistic.

Sustainability-
The ability to maintain something at a certain level indefinitely  ...hopefully a sustainable home with low maintenance and highly efficient insulation; sustainable energy using low cost, no maintenance solar or wind; food from a sustainable onsite greenhouse.  The ultimate definition for Sustainable would be: forever, with no cost, no maintenance, and no pollution.

Thermal Barrier-
A coating, film, or membrane that reduces or stops the conduction of heat and condensation to the other side.

Toxic Materials-
Materials and substances that create, promote or support toxicity. Certain glues, paints, laminates and insulations are considered toxic.

Up-Cycling-
A term similar to Recycling but a simpler process. Instead of completely melting down a product to it’s base materials or chemicals, Up-Cycling is a trend to take the material and simply modify it into another valuable use. An example of Up-Cycling is to convert a Shipping Container into home, cabin, or emergency shelter.

Wind Energy-
The use of wind generators and wind turbines to create electricity for either private or public energy consumption.

Wind Turbine-
An electrical generator with propeller type blades which are turned by the wind to turn the generator and produce an electrical output.