Solar: Nationwide Print
While wind turbine energy generation is attracting a great level of interest from companies within print, another method of power generation is helping a number of printers to produce energy: solar energy.
The modern photovoltaic cell was developed more than 50 years ago and solar panel power installations continue to grow in popularity. One UK printer that took the plunge in 2011 was Nationwide Print, which said it took a “massive step” towards its goal of eliminating its carbon footprint by installing a photovoltaic (PV) roof that will generate power using sunlight.
The £90,000 installation comprises 150 panels that the St Austell, Cornwall-based business hoped would help save around 13 tonnes of CO2 a year.
According to Julian Hocking, managing director at Nationwide Print, the project has made a “bigger contribution to saving the planet than all the environmental accreditation certificates we have achieved”.
“It was a natural progression. We use vegetable-based inks, recycled paper and sensor lighting, recycle everything and have a newly installed insulated roof and windows,” he says. “We want to generate our ‘green’ power.”
And the installation has already begun to pay dividends. The company was runner-up in the recent Cornwall Sustainability Awards in the Best Medium Managed Business category.
Prior to installation, Hocking anticipated an annual energy production of 24,882kWh and a reduction in CO2 emmisions of 13,163kg. However, as of 21 September 2011, just one month after installation of the panels, the company had already generated 3,836kWh and saved 2,186kg in CO2 emmisions.
With these calculations, Nationwide’s estimated annual energy production will come in at 46,032kWh while saving 26,232kg of CO2 in emissions.
“Our inspiration has come from many sources but, ultimately, we have a duty and the passion as a business in one of the most beautiful parts of the world to show that a small business like ours can make a big difference,” he says.
CONCLUSION
The environment is becoming an ever greater focal point and the launch of trade shows such as EcoPrint are evidence of just how much printers are doing and want to do in this area. While investments such as solar panels and wind turbines may seem pricey, there are numerous ways to finance schemes and the Carbon Trust (www.carbontrust.co.uk) is at the end of the phone to talk through the options.
What needs to be made clear, and what these examples show, is that capital expenditure for environmental schemes doesn’t have to be a financial sacrifice; it can be just as good for your wallet as it is for the environment.
