Lake District National Park Authority triples solar generation at head office
An innovative solar canopy has been installed at the Lake District National Park’s head offices in Kendal this year. Since installation, initial results show solar generation at the Murley Moss Business Park headquarters has tripled.
The canopy, which doubles as a car port, was installed along with additional roof solar panels to allow the Authority to use greener energy at one of its main operational sites, and work towards organisational Net Zero by 2030 goals.
The solar panels are designed to provide around 87,000 kWh of electricity each year and will power the office building as well as the electric vehicle chargers outside.
Around 66 percent of the electricity produced will be used by the Authority, while some of the excess electricity will go back into the grid, meaning it will also increase the amount of green energy produced nationally.
Martin Sleath, Sustainability Advisor for the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We’re delighted to have increased the renewable energy generation at Murley Moss. This will move us towards greater self-sufficiency for energy and reduce our carbon footprint. It will also reduce our electricity bill, as well as providing some surplus renewable electricity for the grid.”
By doubling as a car port the canopy shades cars from heat during summer, makes effective use of existing developed space and minimises the loss of trees or vegetation. A variety of tree species were planted by staff to replace the few that were removed during the installation.
Jim Jackson, Chair of the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “I am really pleased we have been able to extend our solar footprint in the car park and move the Authority a step closer to being carbon neutral. The additional shading for cars was also obviously very welcome during the summer. Using car parks is a model I hope to see replicated more widely in the UK rather than green field sites.”
The Lake District National Park Authority building at Murley Moss is the headquarters for the local government organisation and hosts committee meetings on topics relating to the National Park Authority’s statutory purposes. These purposes are; to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Lake District, promote opportunities for enjoyment and understanding, and foster the economic and social wellbeing of its communities.
The National Park Authority is governed by a board of 20 Members who are appointed by various public bodies, including local councils and Secretary of State. Members, with information and advice from Officers, set policies and ensure resources are allocated appropriately and effectively.
To find out more, learn about the Lake District National Park’s carbon reduction aims or read more about how National Park governance works on the Authority page.
