Core Store solar project supports BGS net zero targets
A large new solar panel array on the roof of the BGS Core Store is expected to result in a significant reduction in our carbon footprint.
02/07/2021 By BGS PressAs a sector-leading organisation, the BGS Environmental Sustainability Strategy aims to achieve net zero carbon for our directly managed estates and research in line with the commitment made by our parent body, UKRI. By 2040, we will have substantially raised our standard for environmental sustainability and we will have fully embedded it in our science strategy and estate management. We also plan to work beyond compliance.
The research we undertake and how we support it has an impact on the environment. It is essential that we understand this impact so that we can minimise our footprint and and transition to a more sustainable organisation. The commitments within our strategy are embedded across three areas: our estate, working practices and business travel.
In order to meet the net zero targets highlighted in our strategy, we are reducing our demand on fossil fuels by installing the most environmentally friendly modern technologies on our sites. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are substantially higher now than at any time in the last 750 000 years. Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases, which then accumulate as an insulating ‘blanket’ around the Earth, trapping more of the Sun’s heat in our atmosphere.
Our latest renewable energy project entailed the installation of a large solar panel array on one of our largest roof spaces at the Keyworth site, the National Geological Repository (Core Store). An incredible 1751 photovoltaic array covers a massive 3100 m2 area of our Core Store Facility’s roof. This array will result in 589 165 kWh of electricity being generated per year — the total yearly energy consumption of around 160 UK homes — and will save an estimated 305 776 kg of carbon each year.
By installing solar panels, the BGS Keyworth estates team has utilised a system that could be installed relatively quickly and would make a key difference on our estate. Generating our own electricity via solar energy means we will be emitting less CO2 into the atmosphere, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our sustainability credentials.
We look forward to sharing futher renewable energy initiatives at BGS in the near future.
Relative topics
Related news
UK legacy geothermal catalogue released in digital format for the first time
18/04/2024
BGS has released the first digital version of the UK legacy geothermal catalogue of subsurface temperature measurements, rock thermal conductivity measurements and heat flow calculations.
New research supports conservation of fallow deer across Europe
16/04/2024
New research has combined zooarchaeology and ancient and modern biomolecular datasets to reveal new understandings into the history and projections of fallow deer.
BGS signs memorandum of understanding with Serviço Geológico do Brasil
10/04/2024
The partnership will advance the two organisations’ shared interests in mineral research and geoscience to help benefit society.
World Mineral Production 2018 to 2022 is now available
09/04/2024
The latest edition of World Mineral Production has been released.
New underground observatory open for research
09/04/2024
Construction has been completed on the Cheshire Observatory and the facility is now open for research activities.
BGS leads update to maps of the Earth’s magnetic field
04/04/2024
The International Geomagnetic Reference Field, used for navigation on mobile phones and in space, is updated every five years.
UK bidding to host the International Geological Congress 2028
18/03/2024
BGS has partnered with the Geological Society of London and the Scottish Geology Trust to develop a bid to host the 38th International Geological Congress in Glasgow in 2028.
BGS to lead a new research project on microplastic occurrence in springs
06/03/2024
BGS has been awarded a two-year research project to undertake the first assessment of microplastic occurrence in springs in the UK.
Local MP helps BGS launch a ‘living laboratory’
05/03/2024
BGS is implementing a low-carbon heating system to help meet its net zero targets and provide data to the public.
Scientists produce first record of environmental data off coast of Hawai’i
01/03/2024
An international team of researchers, including BGS geoscientists, have succeeded in acquiring a continuous record of environmental data using fossilised coral from Hawai’i.
BGS data product licence fees to rise
01/03/2024
New direct licence fees to be introduced from 1 April 2024.