A MAJOR renewable energy project has been completed at the Solihull headquarters of the Columban Missionaries in Britain, with 116 solar panels now generating clean electricity as part of the charity’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new system is expected to generate around 52MWh of renewable electricity each year, reduce the organisation’s reliance on grid electricity by more than 70 per cent, and cut annual carbon emissions by over 7.2 tonnes.
Any excess electricity generated will be exported back to the National Grid.
Regional Director for the Columbans in Britain Fr. John Boles and Columban Trustee Fr. Denis Carter officially switched on the new installation, marking the completion of a project that has been several months in development.
The solar energy system forms part of a wider programme of environmental improvements at the Columbans’ headquarters in Solihull.
In recent years, the charity has planted more than 6,000 native trees, created wildflower meadow areas and introduced beehives, helping to enhance local biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife.
The Columban Missionaries are an international Catholic missionary society working in Britain and around the world.
Alongside their overseas mission, the charity is committed to reducing its environmental impact and caring for creation through practical action and education at its headquarters.
Fr. John Boles, Regional Director of the Columban Missionaries in Britain, said: “We are delighted to see this project come to fruition.
“Installing solar panels is one practical way we can reduce our environmental impact and play our part in tackling climate change.
“Combined with our work to restore biodiversity across our grounds, this investment reflects our commitment to building a more sustainable future.
“We hope it will encourage others to consider the positive difference that practical environmental action can make.”
The installation was carried out by Philotimo Smart Power Solutions Limited, specialists in commercial solar
