The Worcestershire County Council’s installation of solar panels reduced carbon emissions by an amount equal to more than 2,000 trees being planted.
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and to protecting and enhancing the environment, the County Council has finished two significant solar panel installations. The County Council’s second-largest office complex, Wildwood, which is close to County Hall, has completed the first and most significant with an array of 679 panels. The Kidderminster Library’s second, more compact installation is finished.
The government’s Salix Public Sector Decarbonization Scheme provided funding for the solar panel project, which is expected to save up to £70,000 annually and prevent the production of about 73 tonnes of carbon.
Councillor Adam Kent, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Communication said: “The preservation of the environment for coming generations is one of our top priorities, along with the promotion of economic and environmental sustainability.
“This kind of innovation is wonderful to see on two of our buildings, and it has a great impact. With Solar Canopies being a topic we’re looking into carefully, we hope to see more development of this kind in the upcoming years.”
In order to fully fund a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across its estate, Worcestershire County Council won a grant funding award of £885,687 in December 2020 from the Government’s Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
On 25 council sites, funding was obtained for 34 separate energy projects. Upgrades to energy management systems, solar panel installation, and glazing were among the projects that were undertaken.
The Council is currently looking into additional opportunities in this area, such as the addition of solar canopies—simple steel structures typically built over parking lots that contain solar panels—to generate electricity in places where roof installations aren’t appropriate.
Approximately 100 buildings, including offices, libraries, depots, care facilities, and visitor centers for Country Parks, serve as the Council’s operational hubs throughout the county. Electricity and gas use in council buildings accounts for about 5% of the county council’s total carbon emissions, which it pledges to cut annually.
Reference: worcestershire.gov
