Bodenham Arboretum is making progress towards bolstering its energy efficiency by installing solar panels. The project is considered a major part of its commitment to lower the Arboretum’s carbon footprint by adopting a renewable energy source. The Arboretum in Wolverley, just outside Kidderminster, is installing 292 solar panels on its barn roofs to power its visitor centre, 100-seat restaurant and working farm. The panels are expected to generate 135,000 kilowatt hours annually and reduce carbon emissions by 34 tonnes per year. James Binnian, owner of Bodenham Arboretum said: “We have been looking at improving the sustainability of our operations whilst reducing the impact on the environment for some time. “Running a busy visitor centre, restaurant and kitchen with ever-increasing electricity costs, we must make sure that energy is used efficiently. In peak periods of electricity use, it is not unusual for our monthly electricity bill to hit £5,500. Not only do solar panels offer fantastic financial benefits, they also reduce our reliance on the grid which relies heavily on fossil fuels to generate energy, so the environmental benefits are just as good.” Photograph, from left to right, Ben Binnian & James Binnian – Bodenham Arboretum, Ross Collison & Adam Weston – ESP Energy “The solar panels are expected to save the equivalent of one million kilometres of car travel or 718 long-haul flights over their 25-year lifetime. Mr Binnian said the project received approval from the government’s National Heritage Department, which awarded the site heritage status in 1995. The installation, led by Shrewsbury-based ESP Energy, is designed to be low-impact and visually discreet.” According to ESP Energy, Bodenham’s system will reduce their CO2 emissions by 34 tons per year. Over its lifetime – 25 years, it is also predicting that the energy saved will be the equivalent of just over 1,000,000 km of car travel or 718 long haul flights. Alternatively, it will have had the same benefit of having planted just under 6,500 trees. Ross Collison, Director at ESP Energy commented, ‘We’re excited about the potential this installation holds for Bodenham Arboretum. The investment seems a natural progression for them. Furthermore, we have worked diligently to ensure that our renewable energy installation blends seamlessly with the landscape.” The installation is due for completion during Autumn – whilst the daylight hours will be shorter during this season the solar panels will still prove to be a viable source of energy.