Harlow Council has started a programme of installing solar PV panels on its buildings as it takes the lead in reducing the town’s carbon emissions.
The project is being funded in full by Salix via the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (Phase 1).
Last year the council set a target of hitting Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 and in July 2019 the council declared a climate emergency, which set out several climate change pledges. The council is working hard to ensure that it continues to reduce its carbon emissions from its operations.
The panels are in the process of being installed on the following public buildings: Latton Bush Centre, Mead Park Depot, Leah Manning Centre, and Nexus at Harlow Innovation Park. Panels will also go on the Harlow Museum, subject to planning permission due to listed building status.
“Addressing the council’s own carbon emissions is critical to safeguarding the local environment, and ensuring Harlow is a town fit for the future.”
Councillor Alastair Gunn, cabinet member for governance, who visited four of the sites last week, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to move this project forward in recent months as it is an important move by the council in leading the way in helping to reduce the town’s carbon emissions. Addressing the council’s own carbon emissions is critical to safeguarding the local environment, and ensuring Harlow is a town fit for the future.
“This council has set an ambitious target to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 and this is one of several measures which will help us work towards that target. The council is anticipating that the panels will reduce carbon emissions by 49 tonnes per annum across all the sites. This is equivalent to 562 return trips from London Stansted to Edinburgh by plane.
“The installation of these solar panels will save the council money on future energy costs, projected to be at least £32,000 a year across all five sites. This will help take pressure off local taxpayers. It also means more of our energy is being generated here in Harlow, making us less reliant on energy imported from other countries.”