SUNDERLAND: Thompson Building Centres’ commitment to go green with the introduction of a range of energy-saving measures is paying off.
The North East-based independent builders' merchants has installed photovoltaic panels at its sites in Sunderland, South Shields and Durham. This will reduce not only the company's carbon dioxide emissions but will also save the company around £6000 a year in electricity costs.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems work by taking energy from daylight through solar panels installed on the roof and converting that energy into zero-carbon electricity, giving the company the opportunity to make real savings in a variety of ways.
Thompson's has installed a 39kW system at its site in South Shields and 10kW solar systems at both Sunderland and Durham, which should reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 24 tonnes a year at the South Tyneside branch and six tonnes annually at each of the other outlets.
"The installation of the PV systems is all part of our ongoing commitment to working in an economical, professional and environmentally-friendly way," said Thompson's operations director, Brent Ganley.
"We are delighted that this installation is now complete and look forward to enjoying the benefits they bring both in terms of reducing our carbon footprint and saving money."
The panels were installed by Sunderland-based specialist design and installation company, Sun Spirit.
"We are delighted to have worked with Thompsons Building Centres on this installation of solar photovoltaic systems, both in terms of electricity savings to the customer and the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere," said David Kay, head of operations at Sun Spirit.
"This project truly demonstrates just how effective solar photovoltaic systems are and the savings that commercial business and home owners can make by installing this product."
The move is the latest in a series of measures by the company to cut down on its emissions, which includes the replacement of its fleet with more eco-friendly forms of transport.
Last year, Thompson invested £400 000 in Volvo HGV wagons which were fitted with 'intelligent driving systems' which monitor a range of factors including fuel consumption, with the information being used to train the drivers in more energy efficient ways of motoring, when necessary.
