eleventh September 2025
The indoor slope in Hemel Hempstead sees it as a part of the Centre’s efforts towards decarbonisation and Internet Zero. NEW
The 1,940-panel rooftop system, which now powers 22.7% of The Snow Centre’s power wants.
It would generate over 790,000 kWh of fresh electrical energy yearly and cut back carbon emissions by 163 tonnes yearly.
That’s the carbon saving equal of:
Sequestering carbon throughout 4 acres of forest yearly, or926 economic system return flights from London to Geneva yearly
Alongside the Photo voltaic Panel undertaking at Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre has invested closely in 4 new and extra power environment friendly chillers throughout each its Hemel Hempstead and Manchester websites.
Snow Centre can also be investigating wind and additional renewable power choices by funding in new applied sciences, energy-saving efficiencies, and renewable power, as a part of its dedication to decreasing its impression on the surroundings.
“We’re proud to be main the best way – not simply in how we function, however in what we stand for,” stated Ian Brown, Managing Director of The Snow Centre.
“This undertaking proves that sustainability can improve operations, not hinder them. It’s good for the surroundings, good for our backside line, and good for the ski neighborhood as a complete.”
Snow Centre Photo voltaic Panels. Picture c/o Snow Centre.
The undertaking was removed from simple.
The roof’s dwelling construction, a number of elevations, fireplace security necessities, and 24/7 operational surroundings (important for sustaining snow situations) demanded a tailor-made resolution.
eEnergy’s design used a non-penetrating, clamped mounting system and bifacial, glass-backed photo voltaic modules to guard biodiversity and structural integrity.
Submit-installation, groups encountered surprising points attributable to native crows dropping stones on panels – believed to be a response to glare.
Injury was traced to 1 particular roof space and is being mitigated with focused interventions together with gutter netting and ongoing monitoring.
Vegetation underneath and across the panels additionally wanted cautious management.
Left unmanaged, it may result in shading and efficiency loss.
eEnergy has labored with the shopper to place in place a strong vegetation administration plan.
Snow Centre Photo voltaic Panels. Picture c/o Snow Centre.
“As an envoy for Shield Our Winters UK, companion of The Snow Centre and founding father of the Warren Smith Ski Academy, I used to be thrilled to listen to the information about eEnergy photo voltaic array at The Snow Centre,” stated Warren Smith.
“I grew up and learnt to ski there, so to know it may now generate sufficient clear power in a single day to energy the carry system is unimaginable.
“For the ski trade, it’s inspiring to see actual motion being taken — that is the form of progress we have to shield the way forward for our sport.”
The Snow Centre. Picture © PlanetSKI
“As a lifelong skier, this one issues to me personally,” stated Harvey Sinclair, CEO of eEnergy.
“With more and more unpredictable climate and rising temperatures, the ski trade actually must make actionable steps to create sustainable and greener processes to make sure its survival.
“This undertaking was no stroll within the park – from engineering challenges to wildlife surprises – however it’s a shining instance of what’s attainable if you mix ardour with function.
“As a serious step ahead for the UK ski trade, this set up reveals different companies within the sector, and past, that Internet Zero is greater than a objective – it’s inside attain.”
Nonetheless, it appears unlikely there’ll ever be snowboarding once more on the roof of The Snow Centre.
In January 2010 the pinnacle of the ski college at The Snow Centre, Pete Gillespie, made some activates the roof after some heavy snowfall.
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