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PML begins work on solar carport – a first-of-its-kind for Plymouth
3 July 2023
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has a strong commitment to reduce its own environmental impact. Environmental responsibility is one of the four pillars of our 2020 – 2025 strategy, with the goal to achieve Net Zero carbon for PML activities by 2040 – 10 years earlier than the national target of 2050 – in line with the UKRI environmental sustainability strategy.
...Reduction of 65 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year...
The development of our solar carport marks the latest in efforts to reach Net Zero, and the renewable energy generated by this project has a projected reduction of 65 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Above: Visual impression of the new solar photovoltaic panel carport
Beverly Tremain, Director of Operations at PML, commented:
“PML’s vision is for a more sustainable future, and as such we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of all our scientific and operational activities. The solar carport – a first-of-its-kind in the region – marks another key investment which will reduce carbon emissions while also increasing our overall efficiency. We are delighted that the work has begun and extremely grateful to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for their funding and support.”
Our Buildings and Facilities Manager Lee Merchant said:
“As an environmental organisation we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and supporting the aims of Plymouth City Council’s Declaration on Climate Emergency. As such, we are excited to announce that this week we will begin the installation of a new solar carport structure at Prospect Place to increase renewable energy generation on site.”
“Not only will our new solar carport support our efforts in reaching Net Zero; it will also benefit our charity in the long-term. Across the country, many are feeling the pinch of the rise in energy costs, and we endeavor to limit these costs wherever possible. The solar carport will provide some reduction in these costs, enabling our vital work to continue, including understanding the effects of climate change on our Ocean and ensuring its sustainability for the future.”
“If you are wondering why we are installing the solar panels over the car park, it is because we are protecting our green spaces. There will be no removal of trees or planting on our estate, with the solar carport being installed over the actual car park itself, rather than in the planted grounds.”
Above: Solar carport specifications
“We already have solar photovoltaic arrays on our main roof and lecture theatre, which have saved over 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide since their installation in May 2021. The solar carport in addition to our current arrays will take our renewable energy generation to the next level.”
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Above: Solar photovoltaic array on Plymouth Marine Laboratory roof
View the live feed of the PML rooftop solar panel power and energy system performance >>
Construction of the carport will begin on the 30th June and is estimated to be completed by 8th September. The solar carport has been funded with thanks to the Natural Environment Research Council, as part of their greening initiatives.
Find out more about our Environmental Policy and Sustainability Strategy >>