News Article
GMI Complete Manchester Roof Project
GMI Energy delivers second solar scheme for Town Centre Securities
Following the success of the largest city centre solar photovoltaic system of its time at Clarence Dock car park in Leeds, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) have once again called upon GMI to deliver another renewable energy scheme on the roof of their prestigious Urban Exchange retail development on Great Ancoats Street in Manchester.
Assisting Town Centre Securities PLC with their green investment strategy, GMI Energy has installed a 240w REC solar system comprising of 208 panels within a one week programme. Having assessed the building profile, GMI used a non-penetrating roof mounted system made of aluminium and stainless steel to maintain the integrity of the building which provides a flexible longer term solution.
The new system will produce approximately 44,800 kwh of energy a year, generating a combined income and saving of £10,550 per year over the 25 year feed-in-tariff period. It will also produce a 9% return on the investment cost.
In line with Town Centre Securities PLC's commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, 17,813 kg of CO2 emissions will be saved per year and tenants at Urban Exchange such as Aldi, M&S Outlet, Pure Gym and Go Outdoors will be able to use clean low carbon generated energy at the site.
Ben Ziff, Managing Director of Town Centre Car Parks (TCCP), a subsidiary of TCS explained: "We installed PV panels at the Clarence Dock car park in Leeds last year, creating the UK's largest city centre renewable energy system in Leeds, and are very pleased with their performance so far. Not only do they cut our energy bills, but they provide us with a return on our investment. Introducing solar systems to our estate is a part of our on-going strategy to use innovative and technological ways to improve our business and help shape the environment in challenging times."
David Donkin, Associate Director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) said: "Urban Exchange is an architecturally stunning environmentally-friendly building, which has become a successful retail destination. The PV panels not only add to the building's green credentials but fit with TCS's commitment to sustainable development."
In addition to the installation GMI will also be providing a complete operations and maintenance support package to ensure the system is fully maintained and performing efficiently to its optimum level for 25 years. Furthermore GMI are only one of a small handful of companies that are REC Solar Professionals in the UK, bringing additional benefits such as an extended 12 year manufacturer's guarantee.
Carl Nielsen, Managing Director of GMI Energy said:, "We are delighted to continue GMI's relationship with Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) as the construction arm of the business has undertaken several contracts at the Urban Exchange development over the years. It's so important for us to fully understand our client's properties as it forms the basis of the energy assessment and allows us to create bespoke solutions that are fit for purpose."
"Our hands-on and partnership approach meant we worked closely with Town Centre Securities to find the right solution, as investing into green energy is a longer term strategy that must integrate with the rest of the businesses objectives."
