The Cambridge Building Society has embarked on a sustainable journey, installing 258 solar panels that could power up to 40 homes annually.
- The solar project at the Head Office marks a significant environmental step forward for The Cambridge Building Society.
- The society is also retrofitting a 1930s semi-detached house to showcase energy-efficient home innovations.
- The retrofit project incorporates multiple sustainable technologies, aiming to reduce carbon footprint.
- In doing so, The Cambridge Building Society emphasises its commitment to inspiring sustainable change in the community.
The Cambridge Building Society’s recent initiative to install solar panels at its Head Office is a noteworthy environmental advancement. This project, completed by Spartek, involved the installation of 258 solar panels capable of generating up to 116,000 kWh of electricity each year. This level of output is sufficient to power approximately 40 three-bedroom homes, underscoring the society’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, The Cambridge is not stopping at commercial installations. They are actively working on a residential retrofit project aimed at demonstrating practical energy-efficient innovations. The project, centred on a 1930s semi-detached house, will feature ten solar panels generating 3,000 kWh annually. This effort aims to offer tangible solutions for households seeking to adopt renewable energy.
The initiative includes a range of sustainability measures beyond solar energy. Plans for the retrofit address insulation improvements, upgraded glazing, and advanced systems such as an air source heat pump and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. These enhancements are designed to illustrate diverse methods to enhance a home’s energy efficiency. Ongoing construction includes foundational work for a rear extension with a green roof and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Cambridge Building Society intends to document the retrofit process meticulously. This documentation will serve as a resource for the community, offering insights and advice from experts. The project’s insights will be shared in collaboration with industry partners like Koru Construction and Pip Architecture, aiming to inspire others to embrace sustainability.
Richard Brockbank, The Cambridge’s Chief Financial Officer, expressed the society’s commitment to not only reducing their own emissions but also motivating others.
Lee Watson from Spartek highlighted the scale of the Head Office project as unprecedented in central Cambridge, while Duncan Turner, the project manager, noted the growing public interest in sustainable home upgrades.
The Cambridge Building Society is actively fostering sustainable living through innovative solar projects and energy-efficient homes.
