Sandtoft makes landmark solar pledge » Environment » 24dash.com

Sandtoft Roof Tiles, the pioneering roof tile manufacturer, has made a landmark pledge of support for solar energy, after the Department of Trade and Industry’s decision to cut its financial support for homeowners investing in renewable electricity.

With immediate effect, Sandtoft will sell its solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems at zero profit in order to make the renewable energy solutions as cost-effective as possible.

By selling the C21e and C21t tiles at cost, Sandtoft not only hopes to fuel the rising level of interest in solar solutions from the British public, but also to inspire more developers and architects to harness the potential of renewable energy systems as part of sustainable developments.

Simon Oldridge, Sandtoft’s managing director, said: “Solar solutions perform a key role in the future of sustainable development, and as a business that is committed to inspiring a greener construction industry we have made the decision to sell our solar tiles at zero profit for the first year.”

“It is essential that the government and the construction industry work together to make renewable energy solutions a genuine possibility for real homes and developments,” he continued, “not simply one-off eco-home projects and the wealthiest of households.”

Although Gordon Brown increased the DTI’s budget for the grant scheme by 50 percent to almost £19million in March, the maximum grant available to homeowners looking to install a solar-energy system has been slashed from £15,000 to £2,500. The decision could result in solar systems being over 60 percent more expensive for property owners, which could undermine the growth of such solutions in the UK.

The solar products available through Sandtoft are supplied by Sandtoft’s renewable energy partner solarcentury, the UK’s leading solar solutions provider. Compatible with Sandtoft’s Calderdale roof tile, the panels integrate with the tiles using an interlocking system that does not compromise the integrity of the roof.

Driven by Simon Oldridge’s personal passion for environmental issues, Sandtoft’s solar pledge is the latest in a string of innovative policies initiated by the manufacturer as part of a ‘Green Resolution’ issued in January.

The company has already switched to 100 percent renewable electricity, reducing its total carbon emissions by 25 percent, and in March the firm installed 100 percent biodiesel pumps at its HQ in Doncaster as part of a comprehensive fleet conversion to the carbon-neutral fuel.

In May,The Royal Institute of British Architects selected Simon Olddridge to deliver a keynote speech at its inaugural conference on sustainable products.

Mr Oldridge added: “Our philosophy is not simply to reduce our own contribution to climate change, but also to inspire others to do the same. The solar pledge is a prime example of the steps we are taking to achieve this.”

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