Recognising the need to reduce both energy costs and greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, an Island local authority is continuing to pioneer the inclusion of renewable energy.
Braddan Parish Commissioners has already outlined its commitment to net-zero and future generations in recent developments.
One such example was the recently completed Mullen Doway apartments in Union Mills which have been designed to be eco-friendly with significant insulation, heat recirculation and all electric heating. Now, the new Braddan Community Centre at the Strang, which is undergoing construction, will take solar PV to the next level and include a large 50kWp array, the largest on any Isle of Man Public building. That will provide green and clean energy for the community centre, due to open in spring 2023, and all those who use it.
The long-term investment will also have benefits both in the cost of solar power, compared to electricity, and environmentally with an estimated saving of 600,000kg of CO2 – the equivalent to planting 700 trees.
Commissioners’ Chairman Andrew Jessopp explained: “The decision by the Commissioners to include PV panels in the scheme continues to show the Board’s commitment to reducing the authority’s carbon footprint and to help set a good example to other government organisations”.
Following a tender process, Ballasalla-based Go Green has been chosen to install the array of solar panels.
Steven Elkins, Director of Go Green, stated: “Green energy transformation is a revolution and we commend Braddan Commissioners for their foresight into future-proofing new buildings and a commitment to improving our Manx environment”.
