The M&S SolarWall system is expected to provide energy
savings of 1.1GWh. This is a staggering amount of renewable
energy to be generated on-site from one technology,
and to provide a basis for comparison, is equivalent
to the total energy used for two typical M&S stores. This
will result in the elimination of over 250 tons of CO2 each
year.
The SolarWall technology successfully achieved both
environmental and economic requirements; meaning that
its impressive renewable energy production and corresponding
GHG emissions reductions were accomplished
at a reasonable cost that met ROI requirements. The system
is also building-integrated, and was designed to be
an attractive addition to the south façade.
“There’s a compelling case for renewable energy, both
from a business and environmental point of view, when
we build large, out-of-town sites….here at Castle Donington
the Solar Wall was the best possible option with such
a large, south facing wall. The technology offers one of
the fastest returns on investment of any solar technology
currently available.”
-Roger Platt, Marks & Spencer Project Manager
at Castle Donington
Marks and Spencer
Background
Marks and Spencer (M&S) is one of Britain's largest retailers with over 700 stores in the United Kingdom and over 350 stores in 40+ countries around the world. In May 2013 M&S opened its much anticipated giant 900,000 ft2 distribution centre in Castle Donington, Leicestershire. The size of the building is equivalent to 11 stadium sized football fields, making it one of the largest distribution warehouses in the UK. The facility will handle all of M&S's online orders, processing up to two million items a week and employing 1,200 people. It is impressive to note that the facility is also carbon neutral. More impressively, the building is home to Europe’s largest SolarWall® system, which was an essential element of designing a cost-effective carbon neutral building of that size.
Solution
Marks and Spencer (M&S) is one of Britain's largest retailers with over 700 stores in the United Kingdom and over 350 stores in 40+ countries around the world. In May 2013 M&S opened its much anticipated giant 900,000 ft2 distribution centre in Castle Donington, Leicestershire. The size of the building is equivalent to 11 stadium sized football fields, making it one of the largest distribution warehouses in the UK. The facility will handle all of M&S's online orders, processing up to two million items a week and employing 1,200 people. It is impressive to note that the facility is also carbon neutral. More impressively, the building is home to Europe’s largest SolarWall® system, which was an essential element of designing a cost-effective carbon neutral building of that size.
Marks&Spencer_Y13_SolarWallCaseStudy(PDF)
