In 2023 Urban&Civic undertook Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) audits across the portfolio, covering owned and occupied offices and commercial buildings. The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels was identified as a great opportunity for Urban&Civic to reduce running costs across our portfolio, whilst also achieving a significant reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. Led by the Estates team, and supported by the respective development and project managers, a mix of roof mounted solar panels and a ground mounted array, with a combined peak output of 350kWp, was installed between November 2024 and September 2025. Across four sites (Alconbury, Houlton, Middlebeck and Waterbeach), the energy savings are expected to payback the installation costs within 3 to 5 years with between 50 to 75% of electricity generated consumed on site.
As an example, the Incubator Building at Alconbury is anticipated to consume 70% of the energy created and provide an estimated carbon saving of 8 tonnes per annum, which is the equivalent of 376 trees being planted.
This was ably undertaken by Insight Energy Renewables, who were contracted to create suitable schemes maximising the space available for each design and then completing the install. This has allowed Urban&Civic to install top performing solar equipment alongside advanced monitoring systems for carbon and cost savings and future maintenance.
Much of the progress seen against Urban&Civic’s Scope 1 and 2 targets this financial year can therefore be attributed to these solar installations. There has also been a saving of over 35% in energy costs on our largest scheme at Alconbury in the nine months since the install.
We’re proud to support Urban & Civic as they invest in solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging, turning their ESG ambitions into meaningful, lasting impact.
Kristian Day,
Director, Insights Energy Renewables LLP
Values