Article date:2 February 2010
Written by:Jose Espinosa
Sustain has taken an important step in reducing the carbon
footprint of its headquarters by installing solar panels on the
roof.
The solar thermal system will generate hot water for the kitchen,
toilets and showers for staff who commute by bicycle.
By switching to a solar energy source, Sustain will not only reduce fuel costs, but also offset more than a tonne of carbon per year, which equates to 1.7 per cent of the building's total carbon emissions.
Annie Brown, building services design manager, said: "We feel that as a company that advises clients on how to reduce carbon, it is vital that we lead by example and cut carbon out of our own business. By installing a solar thermal system we are a step closer to becoming a more sustainable organisation."
The installation of the solar panels follows insulation and draft proofing measures that were completed last year. Additional measures which Sustain hopes to install in the summer include a biomass heating system to replace the existing oil heaters and solar photovoltaic panels to provide electricity.
The aim is to cut the building's CO2 emissions by 59 per cent over the next 12 months.
