Wynne makes the switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity

Wynne Construction has ensured all electricity consumed at its company office in Kinmel Park is renewably sourced, furthering its carbon-cutting commitments.

The Bodelwyddan firm has updated the electric tariff at its head office to run on 100 per cent clean energy generated from wind and hydro plants, which will save 3.5 tonnes of CO₂ every year.

The supply, which has been confirmed by SSE Renewables and verified by international climate consultancy EcoAct, is also expected to reduce Wynne’s electricity bill by 75 per cent annually.

As part of Wynne’s wider goals of removing carbon from all business activity and reaching net zero status by 2040, the firm engaged with an award-winning design and commissioning consultancy to supply photovoltaic (PV) solar panels for the building’s roof.

JM Renewables, based just two miles from Wynne’s headquarters, fitted the 58 panels which will be capable of generating 25KW of renewable power through converting thermal energy into electricity.

Wynne Construction director Richard Wynne, who has been involved in implementing the green electricity tariff, said: “We are climate-conscious throughout all our business activity, and having our offices run on renewable electricity is key to ensuring our net-zero efforts stretch beyond our sites.

“Another significant step to improve the facility has included installing an insulated roof over our workshop to make the entire building more thermally efficient, which will be enhanced by future plans to switch out gas for domestic air source heat pumps.

“Given our expertise of transforming existing buildings to minimise energy waste, it is vital we practice what we preach to clients and our supply chain by reducing the carbon footprint of our offices as much as possible.”

As part of integrating energy-efficient construction principles throughout its projects, the company incorporates net-zero measures from the moment construction starts.

Richard added: “When establishing an electrical supply on site, we specifically request a renewable tariff so that at least 40 per cent of the energy consumed comes from clean sources, cutting our emissions.

“From 2023, we can now save around half of all CO₂ produced where this direct connection is not possible by installing hybrid generators known as Hussh Pods, which use a temporary diesel engine to charge a battery that can then power the site.

“Investing in more sustainable methods of construction and continuing to extend commitments to all areas of our business are vital steps in ensuring we achieve net-zero by 2040.”

JM Renewables director Ben Musgrave said: “It was fantastic to carry out the development at Wynne’s offices to mirror its commitments to solar energy across its builds, many of which our team has been involved in.

“Our long-standing relationship has included fitting solar panels for Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown, as well as the now completed Ysgol Corn Hir in Llangefni, reducing operational costs and safeguarding the future of the schools.

“Being located so closely to its headquarters has also ensured minimal impact to the environment through very little fuel consumption when delivering to the site, so carbon emissions have been low from start to finish.”

Wynne Construction is currently working on £60 million worth of schemes across Wales and England, and has recently completed the environmentally efficient Ysgol Corn Hir in Llangefni, Anglesey.

The redevelopment replaced the existing building with 10 new classrooms which maximise natural light and ventilation, with PV panels and air source heat pumps installed to reduce environmental harm and operational costs.

Wynne Construction operates throughout Wales and the North West of England, and regularly leads on projects in sectors including education, social housing, healthcare, and sport and leisure.

The company is also on the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP), Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework, the South-East and mid-Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP3) and the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SSWRCF).