Helping businesses reduce their emissions

A programme to install solar panels on the roofs of businesses is due to be discussed by Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet.

Under the programme, the council would install solar panels on the roofs of businesses who sign up and then sell the power generated by them back to the business. The scheme would provide more environmentally friendly energy and reduce energy costs to the businesses with no upfront costs for them.

Test sites for the scheme are being identified and the offer process for businesses is expected to start next year if approval is given.

Cllr Kim Forward, Leader of the Council, said,

"The climate emergency is the biggest challenge we face, and we are committed to helping our businesses and residents reduce their carbon emissions. This scheme is the continuation of work we started before the COVID-19 pandemic and it means that businesses can lower their carbon footprint and reduce their energy bills. We must reduce the carbon footprint of the town's existing buildings to reach our target of being carbon neutral by 2030."

Solar panels were installed on Muriel Matters House and Castle Business Centre (East) in December 2018 these panels have produced more than 130,000kWh of electricity, offsetting more than 32,000 kg of carbon equivalent emissions.

You can watch the Cabinet meeting where the Solar for Business Programme will be discussed on Monday 1 November on the council's website.