CONTRACT NEWS ‘GAME-CHANGING’ PV PANELS BOOST SAFETY CHARITY’S CLIMATE CREDENTIALS A leading safety charity has installed renewable energy at its award-winning activity centre in a bid to improve its carbon footprint. DangerPoint is an award-winning interactive life skills centre based in Talacre, North Wales. It aims to help people learn in a fun and practical way, to inspire, inform and engage, and to make positive life choices, both for themselves and the environment. Its offering includes educational tours and a quest activity for schools and organised groups. Since 2005, it has educated more than 116,000 people. Staff at the site wanted to play their part in the fight against climate change and decided to have renewable energy installed to generate their power, lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
Seddon was brought on board to design and install the solar PV and battery system at the North Wales DangerPoint site, which is said to be ‘game-changing’ for the attraction. Seddon designed and installed a 20.1kWp solar PV system and 17kW battery storage system, and it took contractors four days to carry out the work. Robert Moss, Divisional Director of Seddon Engineering Services, says, “It was significant for Seddon to help this game-changing charity reach its net zero potential.
“Not only will it reduce its carbon footprint and lower energy bills, it will also cement the charity as a UK leader in renewable energy. “We meticulously assessed the property, ensuring the work was delivered exactly in line with the charity’s core needs. Taking the initiative now means DangerPoint can continue offering hugely important safety information.” Seddon Engineering Services, seddon.co.uk
AZTEC SOLAR ENERGY DRIVES EFFICIENCY AT NEW CAR PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
FURNITURE GROUP UPGRADES TO BG SYNC EV For a Hartlepool furniture group, it was the flexibility of BG Sync EV that made it a no-brainer to upgrade from its previous EV charging system. The Optimum Group is a specialist commercial furniture manufacturer, with a purpose-built showroom and factory space in Hartlepool. When it needed to upgrade its previous EV charging units to accommodate more vehicles, BG Sync EV provided the flexibility needed for everyone in the company. After an endorsement from its business vehicle leasing company, the group chose North East EV charging specialist, Get Charging, to recommend and install the most suitable EV chargers for the company. Mike Pearson, Director of The Optimum Group, says, “Increasing our business vehicle fleet meant we needed to increase the number of EV chargers we needed, and Sam at Get Charging recommended the BG Sync EV chargers. We wanted an option that didn’t just use an app, but could also be activated with a key fob for ease of use. “The key fobs mean everyone in the business can quickly and easily use the chargers without having to rely on having their phone on them or having their phones charged up. Although, the great thing about the chargers is that you have a choice – some of our staff prefer using the app and so they have the option to do that.” With dynamic charging up to 22kW on three-phase AC power, the Type 3-Phase BG Sync EV charger uses Wi-Fi, Ethernet and RFID connectivity with 24-hour app support, making charging accessible for all. It’s easy to install and suitable for residential and commercial use, with three-phase power required, and fully compliant with the latest electric vehicle regulations.
Aztec Solar Energy has helped a new 667,185ft² logistics development achieve exceptional sustainability credentials. Located at Hooton Park, Ellesmere Port, the BREEAM Outstanding scheme has been built by developer, Stoford, for global automotive company, Stellantis, and will serve as a UK parts distribution centre for Peugeot. A total of 276 photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed at the site together with an Alpha modular battery storage system and a Solis inverter. The solar array covers a section of roof space to the south-west of the development. At its peak, it has the potential to produce 138kWp and generate more than 110,000kWh annually. This design is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 51,837kg per year and has enabled the building’s base build works to be classified as ‘net zero carbon in operation’. The modular battery storage system further enhances energy efficiency. When renewable production is high and building demand is low, this on-site solution allows surplus electricity to be stored, so it can then be released when needed, decreasing reliance on the grid. Neil Dodd from ESC, an engineering and sustainability consultancy acting for Stoford, says, “Sustainability has been carefully considered throughout the design process of this impressive development, with many features that go above and beyond standard requirements. “The electrical energy generated by the PV panels plays a vital role in helping the building to achieve its BREEAM Outstanding rating as well as its net zero carbon in operation status.” The PV panels add to a range of sustainability features at the distribution centre aimed at minimising embodied carbon and reducing energy consumption. The building, which has an EPC A rating, comprises rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, and 32 EV car charging points. Aztec Solar Energy, aztecsolarenergy.co.uk
BG Sync EV, syncev.co.uk
16 | September 2024
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22/08/2024 10:06