Solar panels help cut council's carbon emissions

Published by webmaster for Bristol City Council in Communities

Easton's Customer Service Point will be the first council building to benefit from the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, which will generate renewable energy for the building. 

The solar panel project will be launched on February 2 at 10am.

Combined with other energy saving devices also being installed, it is anticipated that the project will help to save 44 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from being emitted into the atmosphere and significantly reduce the energy consumption of the building. 

The other energy saving devices being installed include heating and hot water controls, loft insulation and low energy lighting.

A permanent energy advice display will be established in the foyer for staff and visitors. 

The display will include information on saving energy at home and energy efficiency grants available from the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, who can be contacted on freephone 0800 512 012.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, Executive Member for Environment and Community Safety said:  "Easton Customer Service Point will be showcasing a wider sustainable energy project for the council with the installation of these solar panels and other energy saving measures.  This project will raise energy awareness and help the council meet the targets we have set ourselves for tackling climate change and reducing the city council's emissions of greenhouse gases.  It could also act as a blueprint for projects in the future."

The project is being funded by £13,800 from the Department of Trade and Industry's Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme, £7,800 from the EDF Energy Green Energy Fund and £6,500 from Bristol City Council.

Peter Hofman, EDF Energy's Director Sustainable Future, said: "We are delighted to support a project which can showcase renewable energy to housing associations and developers within an area of neighbourhood renewal.

Visitors will be able to see renewable energy technology at work and the project will bring environmental and financial rewards for years to come."

Solarsense UK Ltd, based in Long Ashton, was contracted to install the solar panels. Richard Simon from Solarsense said: "Solarsense UK is proud to be assisting Bristol City Council in their commitment to reduce greenhouse gasses. Our installation shows how feasible it is to use this type of solar technology which could easily be replicated on many of the Council's buildings"

The project will provide a practical example of what solar panels and energy saving measures are like and encourage other developments to use them.

Reducing energy use and tackling fuel poverty is a priority in Easton, a key neighbourhood in Bristol's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, and the area is also a regeneration area where there are a number of renovation and redevelopment projects.  Bristol City Council will therefore be working with the Neighbourhood Renewal Team to promote the scheme to local residents, community organisations, developers and local businesses.

"Rising energy costs in the future mean that schemes like this one which generate energy locally will become increasingly cost effective" said Councillor Gary Hopkins.

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Press release issued: January 31 2007