We are helping to tackle climate change by almost tripling the amount of solar energy we generate for use in our buildings.

 

Installation of new solar panels at our Millmead House offices and Farnham Road car park was completed this week as we continue our commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon borough by 2030.

 

Strategic Services Director, Dawn Hudd says:

 

“Climate Change is one of our key priorities as a Council. We are committed to becoming a net-zero carbon borough by 2030, and these solar panel arrays will be of great help to us as part of our work to become more environmentally sustainable. Everyone has a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and we need to do all we can on a local level by leading the way and making positive changes to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

“We have made great steps in reducing our CO2 emissions and will continue to reduce it even further. We’re pleased with the progress that we have made to date but know that this is just the tip of the iceberg and there is a long way to go.”

 

The new solar panel array at Farnham Road car park is 471.7 square metres, with the Millmead House array measuring 390.5 square metres. They will produce a combined total of 127,976kWh (kilowatt hours) per year, the equivalent of the total annual energy use of 32 houses.

 

In total, our solar generation now produces 195,401kWh per year, the equivalent of powering 49 houses.

 

We also have solar panel arrays at our Dray Court, Japonica Court and St Martins Court sheltered housing facilities, and the Spectrum Leisure Centre. Our Crematorium, which was renovated in 2020, uses solar panels to provide two-thirds of its electricity.