Cool Designs Invests in Mega-Photo-Voltaic Array At Gateshead Headquarters

Air conditioning distributor Cool Designs Ltd has installed a mega-array of solar photo-voltaic panels at its UK headquarters, to support the company's net-zero carbon status.

The installation, which includes 132 PV panels mounted on the roof of its distribution warehouse and offices in 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 harnessing the renewable energy benefits of the high efficiency HVAC system.

Darrel Birkett, CDL founder and managing director, said: "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. We have expanded significantly over the years, but it was never 'growth at all costs'. At each step we have taken time to consider how our actions impacted the local area and wider environment, and the opportunities and costs for everyone involved."

Before legislation was introduced, CDL was the first distributor to put measures in place to prevent sales of air conditioning to companies not qualified to handle refrigerants.