Largest curved standing solar roof in the UK

The solar installation, comprising 1,414 photovoltaic panels, was designed with the expectation of generating 537,488 kWh of clean, renewable energy annually. This output is equivalent to offsetting 107,500 kg of CO2 emissions each year, a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our broader decarbonisation strategy.

The generated energy plays a crucial role in powering our vital equipment, heating, lighting, and air conditioning systems. By harnessing solar energy, we have taken a decisive step towards reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources, demonstrating our dedication to environmental responsibility.

Our initial projections have not only been met but exceeded. In May 2023 alone, our solar roof produced an impressive 70,390 kWh of electricity, with 9,690 kWh returned to the grid. June followed with 76,000 kWh generated and 8,630 kWh exported. These figures highlight the efficiency and potential of our solar installation, significantly contributing to our energy needs and sustainability objectives.

Our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability does not end here. We have a comprehensive plan for future energy-saving initiatives that will further enhance our environmental stewardship:

• Sustainable energy utilisation: We plan to use the sustainable energy generated to power advanced technologies such as electric vehicle charging points and solar carports. This initiative not only supports our operations but also promotes the use of electric vehicles among our employees and visitors, encouraging a greener mode of transportation.
• Energy recovery: We are exploring innovative ways to recover and utilise 'waste' energy to heat our warehouse in Melksham. By implementing energy recovery systems, we can capture and repurpose excess energy, further reducing our overall energy consumption and enhancing our resource efficiency.
• ESOS Phase 3 compliance: We are currently preparing our 2023 report to comply with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 for all our UK sites . ESOS is a mandatory energy assessment scheme introduced by the UK government to ensure that large enterprises are energy efficient. Under this scheme, organisations are required to assess their energy usage every four years and identify new opportunities for energy savings. Our participation in ESOS Phase 3 will enable us to rigorously evaluate our energy consumption and implement strategies to further enhance our energy efficiency.

Our Melksham site serves as a testament to our dedication to sustainability. The 565-kW installation not only showcases our engineering capabilities but also symbolises our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. By generating 537,488 kWh of electricity annually, the solar roof helps us avoid 107,500 kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 13,376 trees.

In conclusion, the solar roof represents a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. The outstanding performance of our solar installation, coupled with our forward-looking energy-saving initiatives, underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy. We are proud of our achievements and remain dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future for our organisation and the communities we serve.

This project highlights our exceptional progress and the innovative steps we are taking to ensure a sustainable and environmentally responsible operation. Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK continues to lead the way in integrating renewable energy solutions and advancing our commitment to sustainability in the rail systems industry.

Your Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK-Team