LKQ UK&I to cut carbon emissions with new solar panel installation
LKQ UK & Ireland has successfully installed nearly 6,500 solar panels on the roof of its central logistics hub, as it progresses towards LKQ Corporation’s global goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Installed by environmental consultancy Footprint Zero, the installation covers the roof of the 792,000 sq ft T2 building at Birch Coppice Business Park in Tamworth. The site is one of the largest commercial buildings in the UK, holding more than 100,000 SKUs. The facility sends out more than 55,000 orders daily and services 40,000-plus garages across the UK every week.
The 2,948 kWp solar array system will allow the business to offset energy consumption at T2 by up to 32%.
It’s estimated that this has the potential to prevent the emission of 12,554 tonnes of CO2 over the system’s 25-year lifespan – the equivalent of taking almost 3,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
The move is the latest in a series of investments by LKQ UK & Ireland into reducing its scope one and two emissions. These include the installation of LED lights in 188 of its branches and warehouses to improve energy efficiency, and a pilot scheme for the use of e-scooters and cargo pedal bikes to deliver stock to customers across London and the South of England.
Kevan Wooden, Chief Executive Officer at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “We recognise the important role we have to play in driving sustainable growth, across our own business and when it comes to helping our customers to operate more sustainably. As market leader, it’s our responsibility to lead the way and share what we learn as we do.
“Operating sustainably isn’t just the right thing to do for the planet; it makes good business sense too, by bringing about efficiencies that will ultimately deliver a return on the upfront investment.
“Globally, our purpose, mission and values align with sustainable business practices that are good for business, people, and the environment, enabling us to not only be contributors to but leaders of the circular economy.”