Advances in energy self-sufficiency with companywide roll-out of solar array strategy

CPI EuroMix is further increasing the sustainability of its business operation with the installation of solar arrays at its UK factories.

Although CPI procures its electricity from 100% renewable sources, the solar initiative presents an opportunity for partial power self-sufficiency in the months and years to come.

Head of Operations, Craig Buttenshaw, said: “We’ve recognised that there is limited renewable capacity through the national grid. Therefore, the solar arrays scheme offers scope to be less reliant on the main power network, whilst improving the overall sustainability of our companywide operation.”

Currently being rolled out across CPI’s production sites nationwide, the solar arrays plan has already been actioned at the company’s Harlow factory. More than 200 solar modules were mounted at the plant, which it’s anticipated will produce up to 80 megawatts of energy each year. This equates to a saving of more than 6% on the company’s annual power consumption, which is equivalent to 23 tonnes of CO² from conventional electricity sources.  Spare energy capacity generated by solar arrays at weekends outside of CPI’s working hours will be exported back to the national grid as clean energy for others to use.

The solar arrays initiative is the latest implementation of CPI’s sustainability strategy, which identifies its commitment in four key focus areas: planet, customer and products, people and communities. The company’s focus on offsetting its CO₂ has led to its investment in a carbon capture forestry scheme, whilst its limiting of waste streams and reducing its usage of plastics has also seen CPI take positive steps to lessen its emissions footprint. Furthermore, the company was a recent recipient of a Supply Chain Sustainability School gold award, an acknowledgement of CPI’s collaboration with other building industry stakeholders to develop more sustainable, British Standard-approved masonry mortar products.

Speaking of the company’s overall drive for improved energy efficiency, Craig added, “We’ve a long way to go, but CPI is making great strides along the road to greater sustainability. Developing and initiating strategies aimed at reducing our carbon impacts is now a part of CPI’s culture. Our solar arrays investment will further benefit our long-term, low-carbon ambition.”