Zen invests in green energy

The Zen Internet office at Sandbrook Park

Zen Internet has kick-started the first phase of its solar project as part of its ongoing drive towards beneficial environmental commitments by installing 675 solar panels on the roof of its office at Sandbrook Park.

In the year between June 2021 and May 2022, Zen’s headquarters consumed 5,685 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. The new solar panels are expected to generate 188 MWh of electricity (3.3% of Zen’s total usage), reducing the company’s emissions by over 36 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) and providing significant savings in energy costs.

Phase 2 of the solar project gets under way later this year and includes the proposed addition of 500 solar panels to the roof at Sandbrook Park. Phase 2 is expected to generate a further 142 MWh of electricity, representing another 2.5% of annual electricity consumption, reducing the company’s emissions by a further 27 tCO2e.

The only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband, Zen is a business committed, through its B Corporation certification and Carbon Neutral status, to having a positive impact on people and the planet.

In addition, Zen’s path to net zero means the telecoms company has committed to set near- and long-term company-wide emission reductions in line with science-based net-zero with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Paul Stobart, CEO at Zen, said: “One way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels is to invest in solar, which is exactly what we are doing at Zen.

“We are proud to have completed Phase 1 of our solar project at our offices at Sandbrook Park in Rochdale. Returns to date have been exactly as expected.  At Zen, we believe with great passion, and in line with our B Corp credentials, that business can be a force for good for all stakeholders, including the planet; this project, managed internally by the Zen Environmental Steering Group, is wholly aligned to that purpose. We look forward to rolling out Phase 2 of the project later this year.”

To find out more or watch the drone video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiEUTfbH30U