Uform has invested in a large-scale solar installation stretching across the roof of its facility in Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
The new energy system was installed at the 225,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility in partnership with decarbonisation specialist Astatine, and solar experts Premier Electrical Group.
According to the company, the new system is powered by more than 1,100 individual solar panels, and boasts a total capacity of 500kW. Uform estimates it will now be able to generate roughly 400,000 kWh of clean energy each year, which should reduce its grid electricity consumption by 17%.
In addition, Uform says the initative will cut its CO2 emissions by around 130,000 kg each year. And from a purely financial perspective, its transition to renewable solar energy could save the company as much as £87,000 in annual electricity costs.
Uform believes the initiative has an estimated payback period of just three to four years, meaning as well as helping it meet its sustainability goals, it can also deliver demonstrable cost efficiencies in a relatively short period of time.
“We’re thrilled to have undertaken this ambitious project, which underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and is helping us to achieve our energy reduction targets as part of our overall company environmental and sustainability goals,” commented Simon Oliphant, Uform Group CEO.
He continued: “The total project savings, over an estimated 25 years, runs to nearly £2.9 million, that is a considerable saving for our operations. From start to finish, the Astatine team has made the whole design and installation process seamless, and the results have exceeded our early expectations.”
Similarly, Tom Marren, the CEO of Astatine, added: “Our collaboration with Uform highlights the company’s dedication to forward-thinking energy solutions, reducing the company’s reliance on traditional power sources while reinforcing long-term sustainability goals. The project also shows the incredible benefits and potential of rooftop solar solutions which leverage otherwise unused space for real world energy-reductions and money savings – doing right by the environment while boosting the bottom line”.
In related news, last year Uform announced it had partnered with Smart Manufacturing Data Hub to monitor its energy usage within its factory, with the goal of further optimising its production process.