Council sets out solar panels installation plan

The local authority has teamed up with a Glasgow-based company to design and install photovoltaic solar panels at the council’s headquarters and eleven schools.

The contract, won by energy firm Campbell and Kennedy after a competitive tender bid, supports the council’s Local Development Plan and is expected to contribute significantly towards its strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

It will also support the Scottish Government’s target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 42% by 2020.

By the end of this month, the council’s headquarters at Newtown St Boswells will be fitted with the panels, as will Galashiels Academy, Hawick High School and Selkirk High School.

Panels will also be installed at Clovenfords Primary; Gordon Primary; Kingsland and Priorsford primaries in Peebles; Lauder Primary; St Ronan’s Primary in Innerleithen; Tweedbank Primary; and Westruther Primary.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s energy efficiency champion said: “We are committed to being an environmentally friendly organisation and are currently delivering our services with a considerably smaller carbon footprint.

“The council is already leading the way with a number of major energy saving projects around street lighting, electric vehicles and energy use in the community, and this solar panel scheme at 12 council properties will provide further benefits to the local environment.”

Campbell and Kennedy, which employs almost 200 staff nationwide, specialises in industry-leading solar PV installation and maintenance.

Last year it led a similar project for Glasgow City Council, installing panels at seven of its primary schools.

The firm’s energy sales manager, Adrian Waddington, said: “We are pleased to be awarded this significant project and look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council to deliver clean, renewable and low-cost energy, helping contribute to reducing carbon emissions for Scotland.”