npower’s Burntwood Office Powered By The Sun

npower’s Burntwood office is reaping the rewards of installing renewable energy technologies, saving hundreds of pounds on its energy bills and significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

Based on the Burntwood Business Park in Cannock Chase, npower’s three-storey office is home to 100 employees. With 196 light fittings, 96 computers and six printers in constant use throughout the day, the building uses a lot of energy.

npower installed 54 solar photovoltaic panels 18 months ago onto the south-facing roof of the building. The system generates 11 Kwh of electricity and offsets more than six tonnes of carbon each year. Being able to use electricity as it is generated onsite has already saved more than £1500 on energy bills.

The solar panels generate all the electricity needed, and the building owners, J.E. Dillon Properties, also receive Feed-in-Tariff payments from the government. Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) offer landlords or residents who have had solar panels installed payment for every unit of electricity generated, regardless of whether it is used onsite or not. If the electricity is not used, it can be exported back to the grid generating additional payment*.

Helen Booker, solar expert for npower, commented: “The npower office in Burntwood is perfectly suited to solar panels, as it has a large south-facing roof which is not shadowed by larger buildings nearby. Also, because it is in constant use throughout the day, all the electricity generated can be used onsite, making the system incredibly efficient.

“We were really pleased that our landlord decided to install solar PV panels on npower’s offices. Now, 18 months on, not only are we benefitting from significant money and carbon savings, but we can lead by example and show how successful the technology is in action.

“Clearly, businesses have an important role to play in helping the government meet its carbon reduction targets and using renewable energy technology such as solar PV is a positive step towards this.”

Mr Dillon from J.E. Dillon Properties explained: “We chose to install solar panels on the Burntwood site to benefit both npower, as our existing tenants, and also future tenants. Businesses are looking for premises which allow them to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs while providing a visual sign of their commitment to a low carbon future.”

npower’s website includes guidance for businesses on solar PV installations. Anyone interested can also speak to one of npower’s dedicated solar experts by calling 0845 600 2039.

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports Lack Of Funding A Key Barrier To Improving Energy Efficiency Of Social Housing

The youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group were delighted to learn that their annual residential visit to the Camas Centre, on the Isle of Mull, was still going ahead, despite initial promises of funding having fallen through. Youth helper, Andy Brown (24), who lives in Oldfallings, decided to ask his employer, npower, to help out.

Around 14 youngsters were scheduled to go on the week-long trip and had been looking forward to it for some time. Andy explained: “We stay in an old fishing hut without distractions like mobile phones and TV; there is no electricity or gas and we all find out how easy it is to get along and the pleasure of being outdoors in such beautiful countryside.

“The withdrawal of funding was a huge blow to us and put the group’s finances into a precarious position. I applied for a donation from npower’s Community Volunteer Award programme and the cheque for £500 recently came through. The news was welcome relief for us all.”

The members of the youth group, who are all aged 13 to 18, take part in outward bound activities including walking, sailing and fishing. Andy, a former member, started to help the group leader, Richard Lockley, six years ago, volunteering to run activities for the youngsters at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meeting.

Michelle Barron, npower’s Charity and Volunteering officer, said the financial support is in recognition of Andy’s commitment to his youth group: “This award has meant the youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group could enjoy their planned visit and reduce the financial burden on their leaders. We have several employees, like Andy, who give their time to help others and we are delighted to be able to support their contribution to their communities.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports Newcastle Teens Spending More Time Watching Sport Than Playing It

npower research has revealed that a quarter (24%)of teens in Newcastle spend more time watching sport on TV than playing sport outdoors. Even more revealing is that one in four (25%) of children in Newcastle admitted they have no one to take them out or there are not enough facilities for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

The research, commissioned by npower to celebrate the launch of its No Power Hour Road Show 2012, reveals that half (50%) of Newcastle kids admit they’re addicted to TV, the computer or video games.

However, the unprecedented number of sporting events and national celebrations this summer may be inspiring a newfound wave of patriotism, uptake of sport and community spirit, with over a fifth (21%) of Newcastle’s children attending their first ever street party or picnic this year. One in four (24%) has also been inspired to take up a new sport or hobby this year, with athletics, track and field being the most popular choice (70%), closely followed by football (30%) and then swimming and/or diving (20%).

As the title sponsor of The npower Football League, the energy company is treating kids in four major cities to yet another fab free summer event with a football-tastic display of themed activity zones, including a penalty shootout area, keepy-uppy contests and a dribbling zone to practice footie skills. The npower No Power Hour. Road Shows aim to show how football can be just one of many activities kids can take part in if they just turn off their gadgets and technology for an hour each day.

Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, says: “Our research shows that there is a real desire amongst children to spend time outdoors but they are constrained by being constantly switched on to video games, TV and the computer or have no one available to take them outside.

“This summer’s spectacular series of events is providing inspiration for young people to switch off technology and spend time with friends, family and neighbours, learn new sports and hobbies and get out and about within their communities.

“Our npower No Power Hour Road Show will visit four of the UK’s major cities to energise families and show just how much fun can be had outside, away from gadgets, using their own energy.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Research Reveals Notts Teens Spend More Time Watching Sport Than Playing It

npower research has revealed that one in three (30%) teens in Nottingham spend more time watching sport on TV than playing sport outdoors, with all (100%) of the young people surveyed stating they would like to spend more time outside. Even more revealing is that two-thirds (60%) of children in Nottingham admitted they have no one to take them out or there are not enough facilities for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

The research, commissioned by the energy provider to celebrate the launch of its No Power Hour road show 2012, reveals that four out of 10 (40%) Nottingham kids admit they’re addicted to TV, the computer or video games, as Nottingham’s kids are growing up increasingly cut off from their community.

However, the unprecedented number of sporting events and national celebrations this summer may be inspiring a newfound wave of patriotism, uptake of sport and community spirit, with over a fifth (22%) of Nottingham’s children attending their first ever street party or picnic this year. One in five (20%) has also been inspired to take up a new sport or hobby this year, with athletics, track and field being the most popular choice (43%), closely followed by football (29%), cycling (15%) and gymnastics (15%).

In light of Nottingham’s desire to get outdoors and capture their sporting enthusiasm, npower’s No Power Hour road show recently returned to Nottingham for its hat-trick year. Robbie Savage and the No Power Hour roadshow visited Nottingham’s Old Market Square for a family fun football day.

Npower’s No Power Hour is a UK-wide football road show, hosted by former Premiership and Welsh national midfielder and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Robbie Savage, designed to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors with friends and family and saveenergy at the same time.

Robbie Savage commented: “If you can pry kids away from video games and television, there is a whole world of new things to discover and enjoy. When I was a young lad, I definitely spent more time outdoors than today’s kids. It’s how I learnt my footie skills and it was the only way to improve, as well as keep fit and healthy. It definitely kept me out of trouble and gave me the head start I needed to get into top flight football.”

As the title sponsor of the npower Football League, the energy company is treating kids in four major cities to yet another fab summer event with a football-tastic display of themed activity zones, including a penalty shootout area, keepy-uppy contests and a dribbling zone to practice footie skills. The npower No Power Hour road shows aim to show how football can be just one of many activities kids can take part in if they just turn off their gadgets and technology for an hour each day.

Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, said: “Our research shows that there is a real desire amongst children to spend time outdoors but they are constrained by being constantly switched on to video games, TV and the computer or have no one available to take them outside.

“This summer’s spectacular series of events is providing inspiration for young people to switch off technology and spend time with friends, family and neighbours, learn new sports and hobbies and get out and about within their communities.

“Our npower No Power Hour road show will visit four of the UK’s major cities to energise families and show just how much fun can be had outside, away from gadgets, using their own energy.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Donation Helps Ensure Local Youth Group’s Outboard Bound Course Goes Ahead

The youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group were delighted to learn that their annual residential visit to the Camas Centre, on the Isle of Mull, was still going ahead, despite initial promises of funding having fallen through. Youth helper, Andy Brown (24), who lives in Oldfallings, decided to ask his employer, npower, to help out.

Around 14 youngsters were scheduled to go on the week-long trip and had been looking forward to it for some time. Andy explained: “We stay in an old fishing hut without distractions like mobile phones and TV; there is no electricity or gas and we all find out how easy it is to get along and the pleasure of being outdoors in such beautiful countryside.

“The withdrawal of funding was a huge blow to us and put the group’s finances into a precarious position. I applied for a donation from npower’s Community Volunteer Award programme and the cheque for £500 recently came through. The news was welcome relief for us all.”

The members of the youth group, who are all aged 13 to 18, take part in outward bound activities including walking, sailing and fishing. Andy, a former member, started to help the group leader, Richard Lockley, six years ago, volunteering to run activities for the youngsters at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meeting.

Michelle Barron, npower’s Charity and Volunteering officer, said the financial support is in recognition of Andy’s commitment to his youth group: “This award has meant the youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group could enjoy their planned visit and reduce the financial burden on their leaders. We have several employees, like Andy, who give their time to help others and we are delighted to be able to support their contribution to their communities.”

Via EPR Network
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