COMMUNITY
Savings – The solar panel system Sembcorp helped install at Zoe ’ s Place Baby Hospice in Normanby .
Links – Jo Potter , UK head of human resources , Sembcorp and Neeraj Sharma , CEO at Daisy Chain .
Brighter days A solar panel system Sembcorp funded at Zoe ’ s Place Baby Hospice in Normanby came online in May 2023 and in its first seven months of operation , generated more than 10,761.83 kWh – saving the charity more than £ 2,300 . Going forward , it will save an estimated 4.36t of CO 2 emissions ( equivalent to 200 trees being planted ) with resulting cost savings for the charity of between £ 3,500 to £ 8,000 per year , depending on energy prices .
In late 2023 Sembcorp also donated more than £ 43,000 to Teesside-based autism and neurodiversity charity Daisy Chain to enable it to install a similar rooftop solar panel system that will result in significant cost savings and become a revenue generator for the charity .
Neeraj Sharma , CEO at Daisy Chain , said : “ As demand for our services continues to increase , so do our costs , particularly when it comes to utilities . As a charity focused on beneficiary needs and the creation of a better future , it would be neglectful of us not to consider our impact on the planet . We ’ re very grateful to Sembcorp for the funding they provided for solar panels , something we would never have been able to afford otherwise .”
Sembcorp also donated £ 5,000 to Redcar-based EVA Women ’ s Aid towards the refurbishment of a child-friendly counselling room .
EVA Women ’ s Aid CEO Richinda Taylor
said : “ We are very grateful to Sembcorp for supporting EVA and helping us to transform this space into a counselling room specifically for children and young people .
“ It is never an easy decision for anyone to seek support , but being able to provide such a welcoming space for therapy really helps children to feel safe and at ease . Feeling comfortable in your surroundings is key to the counselling process and now we have a fantastic room just for our younger clients .”
Green spaces Everybody needs good neighbours , so Sembcorp has supported the wider community close to Wilton International in different ways , including donating a new steel bin to the South Gare Litter Pickers and a new bench and solar-powered lamp at Redcar Cemetery .
On the Wilton International site itself , the company continues to work on its Site Biodiversity Action Plan for 30 hectares of unused grassland , which now forms a rewilding project to show how an industrial site can foster and enhance biodiversity .
Giving back Sembcorp ’ s internal Sustainability Committee championed the idea of a food bank donation box at its HQ , while several employees volunteered to collect and deliver multiple collections to the Redcar Area Foodbank and the Mission Christmas toy appeal .
Inspiring the next generation Sembcorp feels it ’ s vital to help develop the next generation , particularly on a path that will enable the UK to reach net zero , so schools and colleges were helped too . Working closely with Redcar and
Cleveland College , in 2023 the firm provided more than £ 6,000 , alongside colleagues ’ experience and expertise , to develop a classroom and renewable energy course at the college ’ s new Clean Energy Education Hub .
Dave Thompson , project lead at Redcar and Cleveland College , said : “ As we continue to make progress in green and renewable technologies , it is vital to support and inspire the next generation of engineers in order to create the future workforce .
“ The support we have received from Sembcorp and other industry partners is helping us make a meaningful impact in this sector .”
And through its new school outreach programme , Sembcorp staff will share their experiences with the younger generation .
“ It ’ s so important for us to give back to our local communities in all the ways that we can , whether that ’ s through a donation , creating greener spaces or giving our time to help others who need it most .”
– Jo Potter , UK Head of Human Resources , Sembcorp
For more information , visit sembcorp . com / uk
Child-friendly – The newly refurbished counselling room at EVA Women ’ s Aid .
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