Solar power comes to Civic Centre

5.52.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 5th Apr 2008

• SOLAR power has arrived at the Civic Centre in Twickenham.

Forty two solar panels are being installed at the building this week, aiming to save up to three tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. They are being installed by specialist contractors, Solar Century, and are part of the 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 Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, 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."