We have recently installed solar panels on our operational depot project at Caenby Corner with West Lindsey District Council. The installation forms part of the Council’s commitment to reach its carbon reduction target of net zero by 2050.

The contemporary two storey building which has been designed by Whittam Cox Architects will secure the future of waste collection and street cleansing services in the district.

The panels have been installed to cover all of the available roof space, to maximise the amount of clean electricity generated. They are combined with a battery storage system that means the building can still be powered by renewable energy even when the sun is not shining.

The panels are expected to generate around 20,000 Kilowatt hours of green electricity each year. That is an annual saving equivalent to 14.2 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide – the amount produced by burning 1400 gallons of diesel.

The news has been welcomed by Cllr Jeff Summers, who represents the Waddingham and Spital ward at the Council, where the new depot is being built.

Cllr Summers said: “I am pleased that we have been able to support the implementation of solar panels on our new depot. Solar PV Panels are a tried and tested solution to generating clean green energy and reducing traditional energy consumption.”

Other measures have also been designed to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy within the facility this includes:

• Three electric vehicle charging points.
• LED lighting and lighting controls.
• Heating, cooling and hot water provided by Air Source Heat Pumps. Heat Reclaim Ventilation technology will also be combined with upgraded insulation.
• Double glazing to ensure that a clean comfortable working environment can be maintained in a way that minimises carbon emissions.

Daniel Cocker, Director at Whittam Cox Architects added: “This project is a great example of our client making a considered capital investment commitment which will deliver value, in numerous ways, for the life of this new building and facility.

It’s critically important we all take every step possible to deliver more sustainable buildings. Generation and utilisation of renewable forms of energy at source will reduce both carbon emissions and overdependence on fossil fuels. Everything we do in relation to sustainable design will make a difference in the long-term and we are more committed than ever to this agenda.”

The Council applied for a grant to help pay towards the cost of the solar panels from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and was successful.