Council-owned buildings to lead solar power revolution

The Sheffield Solar City Power Initiative is set to be delivered in two phases. The first will focus on some key installations on Sheffield Council properties.

Then a second and more ambitious phase would be rolled out to a wider range of properties.

In addition to installations on any suitable properties within the council’s ownership, it is hoped to identify locations among its partner organisations, such as those managed by Sheffield International Venues and the Museums and Galleries Trust. This is in addition to well as over 10,000 council homes in the city.

Coun Andrew Sangar, the council’s cabinet member for climate change, said: “This project will bring significant changes in the ways our homes, businesses and public organisations generate and obtain their electricity and heating.

“We are aiming to lead the way and demonstrate the use of renewable energy in several public buildings, but this project will also provide practical help for Sheffield householders who want to take these steps themselves.

“We recognise that investment in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, is a big financial commitment for many people and one aim of this project is to make it easier for people to understand the risks and benefits.”

The buildings identified for the first phase of the project include, subject to final assessment by the council and its property partner Kier: Centre in the Park, Norfolk Park; Stocksbridge Sports Centre; Staniforth Road Depot; Carbrook offices; Electric Works; Spring Leisure Centre; and Wisewood School Sports Centre.

The aim is to achieve installations across these buildings, and others where possible, to achieve a total rooftop coverage of around 5,000 square metres. But further technical surveying, financial modelling and legal assessments may alter this. Recommendations for more fully developed proposals relating to the second phase will be considered by cabinet members in July.

Kier would meet all agreed capital investment and maintenance costs over the 25-year period of the panels installation. The council needs to act quickly following changes in the way Government finance is available for such schemes.