BUSINESS NEWS
COUNCIL WORKS TO DELIVER SOLAR POWER OFFSETTING
A special scheme that will see almost a quarter of Swindon Borough Council ’ s electricity consumption being generated by solar power has been launched .
The Council , in partnership with West Mercia Energy ( WME ), Total Gas & Power ( TGP ) and Swindon Chapel Farm Solar PLC ( CFS ), has launched a solar offset scheme at the Chapel Farm solar site in North Swindon .
The project , which went live in April , means that all the energy generated at the site is offset directly against the Council ’ s energy consumption .
It is estimated that the farm will generate approximately 5 million kWh of electricity each year , which is nearly 25 per cent of the Council ’ s corporate electricity consumption .
Councillor Keith Williams , Swindon Borough Council ’ s Cabinet Member for Climate Change , said , “ This is a big step towards the Council ’ s target of being ‘ net-zero ’ by 2030 . This project shows what can be done with the right partners and I thank
CFS , WME and TGP for their support which , ultimately , results in energy generated in Swindon being used to offset a significant proportion of the Council ’ s energy consumption .”
The set up involves the estimated generation of the site to be removed from Swindon ’ s energy procurement requirements , which are managed by West Mercia Energy .
The energy generated by the solar farm is then purchased by Total Gas & Power , WME ’ s electricity framework supplier , via a Power Purchase Agreement and directly offset against the Council ’ s consumption .
Swindon Borough Council is committed to playing its part in helping the borough reduce carbon dioxide by agreeing to reduce carbon emissions and become a net zero carbon organisation by 2030 .
Wiltshire Digital Drive set to make a buzz
Schools , charities and community groups across Swindon and Wiltshire are to be helped by a new not-for-profit organisation which aims to bridge the digital divide by refurbishing old laptops .
Westbury-based Priority IT has joined forces with Naturally Social , a Corsham-based communications agency , and Bath-based accountants Turner and Partners to create a Community Interest Company ( CIC ) called the Wiltshire Digital Drive ( WDD ).
Driven by the sole purpose of loaning laptops to schools , charities and individuals who do not have access to technology , Wiltshire Digital Drive was born from the success of a laptop recycling initiative run by Priority IT during lockdown ; recycling unwanted laptops to gift to families unable to afford one to help with home schooling .
It quickly became apparent that it was not just school children that need this help , as community groups and charities have been forced to change the way they deliver their services due to social distancing measures .
To keep this project running and sustainable , the non-profit making organisation was formed . Every penny raised , or laptop donated , will go directly to support the county ’ s community .
Kieran Thomas , Managing Director at Priority IT , said , “ Zoom calls , online consultations , home working and home schooling are all part of our daily lives now . But this vital work cannot be carried out without the correct technology . We have given to over 150 families already , but we want to be able to help those that fall through the gaps , those that don ’ t necessarily tick the government boxes for additional support .”
Wiltshire Digital Drive opened its application process for the first time on Thursday 1st October , and is inviting schools , charities and voluntary organisations to register interest and apply for equipment . There will be three opportunities per school year to apply for laptops and to make sure demand is met , there will be two donation drives each year . During this time residents , and businesses will be invited to donate any unwanted
laptops or tablets so they can be refurbished and reused where needed .
Natalie Sherman , Founder of Naturally Social , added , “ I ’ m so excited to be a part of this community project and even more excited to be able to launch with our first corporate supporter Mogers Drewett solicitors . It couldn ’ t have got this far without everyone ’ s support and generosity , but there ’ s so much more we can , and want , to do .”
The laptops and tablets will be on a long-term loan to schools and charities with any maintenance or repairs being covered by the Wiltshire Digital Drive ( WDD ). Reviews will take place to make sure they have the correct equipment for their needs and requirements . If it is no longer needed , it will be given back to the WDD to be securely wiped and refurbished for another school or charity to use .
For more information visit the website : www . wiltshiredigitaldrive . org and follow on Twitter @ WiltsDigiDrive and Facebook : www . facebook . com / groups / wiltshiredigitaldrive
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