Residents help wind power reach new heights in Finsbury

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Environment, Local Government

An 18-storey (55 metre) Finsbury tower block is boasting an energy-generating wind turbine thanks to Islington Council.

The project - supported by the borough's housing partner Homes for Islington (HfI) - is the third wind energy scheme backed by Islington Council as part of its aim to be London's greenest borough.

The 12-metre high structure generates power for the lifts, lights, water pumps, CCTV and concierge area of Kestrel House, City Road, EC1.

Islington Council is the biggest contributor to the scheme - making a sizeable £37,000 contribution - but estate residents were key to getting the scheme off the ground. 64 per cent of those who responded to the consultation approved of its money-saving and green features.

Councillor James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council said:"I think it's great that residents are supporting the principle of green energy. They're getting the benefit of this scheme which is producing power day and night, right over their heads and in the middle of the city.

"At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch, here's a scheme which is saving money while helping us reduce our carbon footprint at the same time.

"I would like to congratulate Homes for Islington - the Council is becoming a real leader in tackling climate change, but we need all of our partners to join with us if we are to make a real difference."

Tower blocks are well-suited to wind energy generation as wind speeds increase with height. The Kestrel House wind turbine can generate six kilowatts of power in ideal conditions - enough for 10 per cent of the block's demand.

Kestrel House was built in 1968 and is one of the highest tower blocks in the borough. The building uses 130,000 kWh per year of electricity and the turbine is expected to generate 13,000 kWh per annum. The turbine will save 112 tonnes of CO2 over a 20 year life time.

Adam Borrie, Chair of the HFI Board, said: “HFI are delighted to be working with Islington Council on this scheme. This is a great project that both helps to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.

"HFI are committed to supporting Islington’s green agenda and I hope we can develop further projects together that will bring benefits to both residents and the environment.”

Chris Doyle, Director of contractors Apollo said: "Renewables can work in just about any location, as this project shows.  The Apollo approach is to weave sustainability into its projects where possible.

"Whether wind power, solar panels or green roofs - innovative approaches can help contribute towards a better future."

Islington Council has set an ambitious target to reduce borough-wide CO2 emissions by 15 per cent by 2010, and is promoting green energy schemes and energy saving as part of its innovative Climate Change Partnership and Climate Change Challenge.

Islington Council has erected two other wind energy generators. At Gillespie Park, N5, the turbine provides power for the Ecology Centre while the one on the roof of the Municipal Offices at 222 Upper Street, N1, powers the council's fleet of electric vehicles.

As well as funding from Islington Council (£37,851) and HfI (£8,109), the scheme has also won support from the Government through the National Low Carbon Buildings Programme (£11,060) and from construction company Apollo (£15,000).