CA Group has today announced that it has successfully supplied its SolarWall® transpired solar collector technology for the Royal Mail’s new mail centre in Strood, Kent.
It is estimated that the 700m2 SolarWall®, which has been located on the south facing elevation of the building, will generate up to 176 megawatt-hours annually, reducing the building’s CO2 emissions by as much as 32.3 tons.
CA Group’s low carbon solution was selected following an in-depth sustainability review, carried out as part of the Royal Mail’s corporate and social responsibility commitment. The commitment requires that the business integrate sustainable design, where possible, to enable it to reduce its carbon footprint.
SolarWall®, which uses solar radiation to deliver naturally warmed fresh air into buildings, has the highest known efficiency of any active solar technology in the world, generating up to 500 Watts of thermal energy per square metre of collector.
Neil Alderson, Commercial Director for CA Group explained: “This cost-efficient technology has already delivered tangible results for Royal Mail at the company’s Swan Valley distribution hub in Northampton, which has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation and an energy performance certificate (EPC) ‘A’ rating.
“The Royal Mail’s approach to sustainability is extremely progressive and we are delighted that the company has chosen SolarWall®, as part of its CSR commitment, once again.”
CA Group carried out both the Kent and Northampton projects together with Yorkshire Sheeting, working alongside the main contractor, John Sisk & Son Ltd.
Stephen Long, Commercial Manager for Yorkshire Sheeting, added: “We are pleased to have been able to deliver another successful project, on programme, for Royal Mail.”
Alongside the SolarWall® installation, the new mail centre features CA Group’s Twin-Therm® built up roof and wall system. Both the SolarWall® and Twin-Therm® systems feature Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® by Tata Steel in Goosewing Grey, Pure Grey, Anthracite and White for Twin-Therm®, and in Pure Grey and Anthracite for SolarWall®. Exclusively manufactured by Tata Steel in the UK, Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel has the unique Galvalloy® metallic coating optimised to provide maximum corrosion resistance and cut edge protection, and is guaranteed for up to 40 years with the Confidex® Guarantee.