39 Issue 257 - February / March 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk As global temperatures increase, and countries face more severe weather conditions, the need for businesses and governments to take action regarding sustainability, has significantly increased. Local and national governments are working year on year to improve energy dependency levels and usage over the next decade, meaning that many grants and schemes have become available for individuals and businesses to invest in eco-friendly energy. As more and more businesses feel the need to switch to the likes of solar panels and electric vehicles, we take a look at successful examples of renewable energy adoption and the options available to wide-format printers and signage companies. A Worthwhile Investment? When it comes to investing in renewable energy, the cost of investment or the challenges associated with installation may put off many businesses. But as more and more customers ask for transparency and good environmental ethics from their suppliers, it may be hard to continue with what has been the norm for the past few decades. Aura Brand Solutions, a EcoVadis Gold accredited provider of signage and branding solutions for the rail, fleet, and architectural industries, is one business that has chosen to invest in renewable energy in various ways. Last year the company installed a 293kWp solar panel system at its Lowestoft manufacturing facility. In 2024 the system produced 38% of the site’s annual electricity and saved Aura 49,224.55kg of CO2. The company has also installed three electric vehicle charging stations to support its transition to a low-emission vehicle fleet. Speaking about the investment decision, Nikki Jones, content executive at Aura, says: “The decision to invest in solar technology was driven by our commitment to environmental responsibility and the desire to reduce our carbon footprint. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible without relying on offsetting as this masks the problem rather than solving it. “Following a structural survey by qualified engineers, we saw an opportunity to align our operations with our sustainability goals. The impact has been substantial, with significant reductions in electricity costs and contributions to a cleaner energy ecosystem. The project has also enhanced our reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices.” Many other producers of wide-format print and graphics have invested in solar technology in order to help with net zero targets. In 2018, trade-only supplier of large-format print, Venture Banners, had a 50kW photovoltaic system comprising of 176 twometre solar panels fitted on the roof of its premises. The decision was made in order to align with Venture Banner’s environmental policy to minimise energy and water use within buildings and processes. Scott Conway, director and co-founder of Venture Banners, says: “It was definitely a worthwhile investment. Although solar power doesn’t provide all of our energy, it does generate over a quarter of our annual electricity usage, so the installation has more than paid for itself in the years since." Conway adds: “In the summer months we can produce as much as 7000kWh from the solar panels, and according to the system’s web control panel, we’ve offset 268 tonnes of CO2 and metaphorically planted 149 trees in just the past 12 months. We’re reducing our expenses and our carbon footprint at the same time - that’s a win-win Understanding Renewable Energy As more and more companies realise the need for sustainable and efficient forms of power, David Osgar looks at examples and advice from businesses that have invested in electric and solar technology ▲ Aura Brand Solutions has invested in solar panels at its Lowestoft manufacturing facility Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible without relying on offsetting as this masks the problem rather than solving it RENEWABLE ENERGY
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