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Marks & Spencer installs UK’s largest single roof mounted solar panel array on its East Midlands distribution centre in Castle Donington

LONDON, 2014-10-23— /EPR Retail News/ — Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced that it is installing the UK’s largest single roof mounted solar panel array on its East Midlands distribution centre in Castle Donington.

The project, which is expected to be completedin early 2015, is being worked on in partnership with Amber Infrastructure. The solar PV system will span the site’s 900,000 sq ft roof and will generate over 5,000 MWh of electricity per year, enough to power 1,190 houses.

The 24,272 PV panel structure will lower M&S’s carbon footprint by 48,000 tonnes over 20 years. The energy generated will be enough to make the fully automated distribution centre, which is big enough to hold 11 football pitches, close to self-sufficient during daylight hours.

The solar PV roof is one of a number of onsite renewable projects set to be announced by M&S over the next 12 months.These projects will helptake the retailer one step closer to fulfilling its commitment to ensure 50% of the electricity used in our building operations comes from small scale renewable sources by 2020.

Hugo Adams, Director of Property at M&S, said:

“This further enhances the sustainability credentials of our BREEAM Excellent Castle Donington site. Coupled with one of Europe’s largest solar thermal walls, the new solar PV system will make the building one of the most sustainable distribution centres in the world. We look forward to working with Amber Infrastructure on what is an industry leading project in terms of scale.”

Amber Infrastructure will be supplying and installing the 6.1MWp solar panel system. M&S has agreed a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement to purchase all of the electricity generated by the solar PV system.

Tom O’Shaughnessy, Partnerat Amber Infrastructure, said:

“M&S’s Plan A commitment is industry leading. The project is aligned with Amber’s pioneering approach to the provision of renewable generation and energy efficiency solutions and will create a template for the delivery of similar schemes across the UK, supporting the stated objectives of DECC and wider UK Government. We look forward to revealing the finished array in 2015.”

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About Plan A
Plan A is Marks & Spencer’s 100 commitment eco and ethical programme that tackles both today’s and tomorrow’s sustainable retail challenges. Launched in 2007, the plan has helped M&S send no waste to landfill, become carbon neutral and win 190 industry awards. Organised around four pillars – Inspiration, In Touch, Integrity and Innovation – it aims to make M&S the world’s most sustainable major retailer. To find out more please visit the Plan A website –http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/plan-a.

For further information on M&S, please contact:

Berry Yirrell, Press Officer
0208 718 0758

Amber Green
Amber Green is the specialist brand and team created by Amber Infrastructure to advance Amber’s work in the energy efficiency, renewable generation, regeneration and sustainability arenas. Amber Green manages three JESSICA funds on behalf of the European Union, UK Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Amber ISIS Renewable Energy
Amber ISIS Renewable Energy (AIRE) is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure, a specialist infrastructure management company, and the principals of ISIS Renewables, an experienced renewable project developer.

AIRE is a developer and financial advisor for projects which target the reduction of carbon emissions, energy consumption and energy costs for commercial and institutional clients.

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