A solar PV carport has been installed by Mitie at Legoland Windsor Resort through a new partnership between Zestec Renewable Energy and Merlin Attractions Operations.
The 1.2MW arrayed solar carport will generate over 1.1million kWh of clean electricity annually – enough to power the equivalent of over 400 UK homes.
It will also save 195 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is equivalent to taking around 130 average petrol cars off the road annually.
The energy generated will directly power the new Woodland Village at the site, which is the resort’s first carbon-neutral and guest accommodation.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the carport will also provide shaded parking for guests, and offer clean electricity on-site rather than procured through a green tariff.
It comes as part of Merlin’s sustainability strategy, aligning with its commitment to reduce environmental impact across its global attractions, and its pathway to achieving scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality by 2030.
Dare Ilori, Group Sustainability Director, Merlin Entertainments Group, said:
“The delivery of the solar carport demonstrates Merlin’s commitment to long-term sustainability and continued investment across the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, delivering the ultimate guest experience. In the past eight years, we have successfully reduced our absolute carbon emissions by 25% and our carbon intensity by an impressive 43% across global operations, and have plans to go much further, becoming a carbon neutral in operation by 2030.”
Mark Caskey, Managing Director, Mitie Projects, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Merlin Entertainments and Zestec Renewable Energy to deliver this landmark solar carport at LEGOLAND Windsor. The clean energy it generates will help power the new Woodland Village and provide shaded parking, making visits more comfortable for guests.
“This builds on our hands-on experience in clean energy and a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions – values that align perfectly with Merlin’s environmental goals.”
Elizabeth Gibbons, Project Manager, Zestec Renewable Energy, said:
“The development and delivery of this solar carport showcases how Zestec helps organisations like Merlin Entertainments to take meaningful steps towards achieving their sustainability goals. This project proves that clean energy can be accessible, visible and financially smart, whilst making a real contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Our fully funded PPA solution is a model that could help transform the leisure sector.”
Image courtesy of Zestec/Mitie/Merlin Entertainments
