What's the idea?

Shop&Drop is a password-protected area built into a house or garden, much like the coal-bunkers of yore, where groceries or any products bought online can be left securely, meaning you don't have to be in when they arrive. The Shop&Drop can also be chilled using the house's ground-source heat pump to keep groceries fresh.

Why is this a low carbon product?

Shopping online could create large environmental savings. Some consumer journeys to shops can be saved, but more importantly the distribution chain for products can be a lot shorter and more efficient. Instead of a product travelling to a series of depots and distribution centres, the journey to the consumer can be more direct.

Currently online shopping accounts for only a small percentage of retail (less than 3% in 2005). One barrier preventing further growth - and therefore a reduced carbon footprint - is the inconvenience of arranging to be at home when the delivery comes and having to wait around for a late delivery. Shop&Drop is designed to remove this barrier and so help to reduce the impact of shopping on the environment.

How could Shop&Drop fit into our lives in 2022?

If this was a real product would you be interested?