Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK is proud to present the remarkable achievement of installing the largest curved standing solar roof in the UK at our manufacturing site in Melksham. This ambitious project, completed in February 2023 with a capacity of 565 kW, underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in the rail systems industry.
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
Local activities of Knorr-Bremse UK
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems has collaborated on the new €3.5 billion (£2.92 billion) Metro scheme serving Thessaloniki which opened on 30th November 2024. The 9.6 kilometre-long line features 13 stations and has an expected ridership of 678,000 passengers per day, equalling 116.8 million passengers per year.
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At just 12 years old, Elliott Drury is already making making a name for himself in the competitive world of karting. Supported by Knorr-Bremse, this young talent has shown remarkable progress and resilience in his first year of outdoor karting, setting the stage for an exciting future in motorsports.
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In the world of high-performance engineering, precision and dedication are paramount. These same qualities are exemplified by Regan Toop, not just in his role as an Engineering Technician Apprentice at Knorr-Bremse, but also in his remarkable journey as a competitive kayaker.
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We are proud to support "Rail Safe Friendly", a programme dedicated to promoting rail safety awareness directly to school children in the UK.
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Waste management is a critical component of a circular economy, where valuable raw materials can be reintroduced into the production cycle, minimising environmental burdens. At Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, there is a strong emphasis on waste prevention and recycling. By integrating a metal briquetting machine at their manufacturing site in Corsham, Knorr-Bremse have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
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