Lib Dem Council goes solar powered

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Apr 2008

Richmond Council's Deputy Leader, Stephen Knight, with the new rooftop solar panels.

Forty two solar panels have been installed at Richmond Council's Civic Centre this week, aiming to save up to three tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

They were installed by specialist contractors, Solar Century, and are part of the Lib Dem Council's continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

A live display in the reception area will show how much energy is being generated - and saved.

A range of renewable technologies are being considered for other Council buildings and will complement work on improving their energy-efficiency.

Richmond Council's Deputy Leader, Cllr Stephen Knight, said:

"We are determined to further reduce the carbon footprint of the Council and the solar panels are an important tool in helping us to achieve this.

"They will also cut our energy bills and we hope that other organisations will consider following our example and consider sources of renewable energy for their buildings such as solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines. It is a growing trend and one we are doing all we can to encourage."

The Civic Centre panels were funded via the Council's Climate Change Fund, created by Cllr Knight in March 2007, and a grant from the Lower Carbon Buildings Programme.