ENERGY Cool Designs invests in mega-photo-


voltaic array at its Gateshead HQ Darrel Birkett, founder and managing director of Cool Designs, says the air conditioning distributor has installed a mega-array of solar photo-voltaic panels at its UK headquarters, to support its net-zero carbon status


T


he installation, which includes 132 PV panels mounted on the roof of its  Gateshead, has the capacity to produce around 39,148kWh of renewable, carbon- free electricity a year, saving an estimated 9,126kg of CO2 emissions.


The PV system will power on-site electric vehicle chargers and support heating and cooling for the building via heat pumps, further enhancing the carbon reduction by   Cool Designs has long been a pioneer in environmental stewardship, becoming the   before it became fashionable to support the green agenda, and ahead of the major manufacturers adopting net zero targets. The PV installation in Gateshead is the latest step in an ongoing programme of environmental initiatives that began two decades ago. Throughout our development, a guiding light has been to grow responsibly.  the years, but it was never ‘growth at all  consider how our actions impacted the


local area and wider environment, and the opportunities and costs for everyone involved.


Before legislation was introduced, Cool  measures in place to prevent sales of air  handle refrigerants.


Cool Designs recently changed its main net zero partner to the Woodland Trust. We


wanted to approach the problem from a slightly different angle. The Woodland Trust uses established carbon emission assessments, and plants trees here in the  is offset through the growth of the trees as they capture carbon from the atmosphere, which aligns with our original thinking when 


This year the company has supported  equating to the removal of 323 tonnes of  being evaluated for Cool Designs’ latest branch, opening soon in the North West.


Cool Designs www.cdlweb.info


22 SEPTEMBER 2023 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


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