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Green technology

Taunton-Based Health Insurer Powers 20% of Its Electricity Needs with Solar Power

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

WPA, a Taunton-based health insurer, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by installing 400 solar panels at its headquarters. This move has enabled the company to generate 20 per cent of its electricity needs from the sun, reducing its carbon emissions by more than 31 tonnes each year. The solar panels form a 150kWp system, equivalent to the electricity usage of 50 homes. This new infrastructure is part of WPA's long-term strategy to improve sustainability and reduce its environmental impact, complementing upgrades to energy-efficient LEDs and low-emission boilers. The company's commitment to the environment is further emphasized by its certification to the British Standard for Environmental Management, ISO 14001:2015, achieved in 2006 and audited annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • WPA has installed 400 solar panels at its headquarters, powering 20 per cent of its electricity needs.
  • The solar panels form a 150kWp system, equivalent to the electricity usage of 50 homes.
  • The company estimates a reduction of more than 31 tonnes in carbon emissions each year.
  • WPA's sustainability efforts include upgrades to energy-efficient LEDs and low-emission boilers.
  • The company achieved certification to the British Standard for Environmental Management, ISO 14001:2015, in 2006.
  • WPA is audited annually to ensure compliance with the environmental standard.
  • The solar project will store 240 kWh of energy using advanced battery banks for optimal usage and grid resilience.
  • Residual emissions are fully offset through Gold Standard-accredited projects, making WPA a CarbonZero-certified organisation.
  • WPA also uses a 100 per cent green energy tariff for the remaining electricity needs.

Statistics:

  • 20% of WPA's electricity needs are now generated from the sun with the solar panels.
  • The solar panels reduce the company's carbon emissions by more than 31 tonnes each year.
  • The solar panels have a capacity of 150kWp, equivalent to the electricity usage of 50 homes.
  • 240 kWh of energy will be stored using advanced battery banks for optimal usage and grid resilience.
  • WPA uses a 100 per cent green energy tariff for the remainder of its electricity needs.

Sources:

  • WPA press release
  • British Standard for Environmental Management, ISO 14001:2015 certificate

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