Family food distributor and supply chain specialist, Oakland International, has enhanced its green credentials significantly through a new solar installation increasing their roof top energy generation output capability at their Seafield site to a mega 433kWp.
In generating terms the installation equates to an 183kWp system, previously 150kWp, bringing Oakland’s rooftop solar harnessing capacity to 433kWp. Oakland’s application of green technologies doesn’t stop at solar generation but incorporates a whole host of energy and renewable schemes; an electric car and 5 bicycles, LED lighting, efficient radiators, cardboard and plastic recycling, Oakland’s own energy efficient reed bed system and on-site sewage treatment plant, which uses less energy than conventional sewage treatment methods with emissions then further reduced by energy efficient warehouse chillers. Oakland’s combined production from solar in 2014 amounted to 188,345.2kW, with a 90% levy on energy charges and a reduction in energy costs.
Oakland International’s Renewable Project Coordinator, Max Harrison, explained: “As a company we’ve been steadily introducing green initiatives across the business for over a decade with the aim to reduce our carbon footprint/energy consumption; replacing energy rich with renewable alternatives and increasing our use of clean, green eco-friendly options. This project was a work in progress for over a year, and only commenced once we identified an installation partner that mirrored our values for this complex install.”
Financed through a Power Purchase Agreement scheme, Oakland moved the project forward sourcing specialist panels via China due to their extensive expertise, technology and knowledge in this arena; able to manufacture the highest rated energy efficient panels currently available. The use of green energy and utilising renewables wherever possible, Oakland is sharing a number of progressive outcomes, with customers commenting positively on their ability to harness solar energy and their use of green technologies to support their business growth strategy.
Max added: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Queen’s Award last year which was a great honour and positive acknowledgement of Oakland’s commitment and values. And as for energy usage, Oakland continues to significantly reduce its impact on the environment and decrease its reliance on traditional sources of power.”