Union solar panel array officially launched
Venue roof covered in solar panels to help UCLan go green
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Energi Holdings Mark Dickinson and UCLan's Paul Morris on the roof of 53 Degrees with the solar panels |
Preston based Energi Holdings, a leading supplier of renewable technologies, successfully installed the Sharp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the Union’s – 53 Degrees venue.
The building’s panels will generate 36,800kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to continuously power laptops for over 500 students, make 1,840,000 Pot Noodles or supply electricity to 8 houses.
The installation forms part of a three-phase project that will see 600 panels installed across the University’s building portfolio. When complete it is thought it this will be the largest renewable energy project by a UK educational establishment.
In addition, the Students’ Union has also been fitted with a giant display screen that will give students and university bosses live information about the power that has been generated and consumed on campus.
Union president, Gavin Jones, said: "It is fantastic to be a part of such a forward thinking project. It is important the University and the Union make sure the environment is at the top of the agenda, and work with one another to acheive sucees. Already we are cutting our carbon footprint and being recognised nationally for the work we are doing. This will definitely help us to achieve a Gold standing in the NUS Sound Impact Awards."
Paul Morris, Director of Facilities Management at UCLan, said: “The UCLan campus covers 45 hectares and uses more than five million kilowatt hours each month, so we knew that renewable energy would deliver real benefits in terms of financial savings and reduced carbon emissions.
“Opting for onsite energy generation is a key part of our sustainable development strategy and we’ve had a brilliant response from all involved, the students in particular. The live meter readings have really made this a project for the whole campus community.”
Mark Dickinson, managing director of Energi Holdings said: “From the very beginning, UCLan was especially keen to break new ground and provide a way to become more energy self sufficient, reduce the university’s carbon footprint and encourage more responsible energy use amongst the students too. They’ve certainly achieved that with this scheme.
The first phase was installed at a cost of £270,000 and was part-funded through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, which gives 50 per cent funding to renewable energy projects.
UCLan has already been held up as an exemplar of sustainable development and is one of only two universities in the UK to achieve pathfinder status of the Carbon Trust Standard – a badge given to those organisations who deliver real tangible carbon reductions.
Energi Holdings is fully accredited under the BRE Global MCS scheme for Solar PV installers and are members of the REAL Assurance Scheme.
12 November 2008