Nigel Mills, the Member of Parliament for Amber Valley, visited Denby Pottery ’s new solar array which was switched on this week in what is a key step in the company’s journey to Net Zero by 2050.
The 2.1 MW solar array has been delivered in partnership with on-site energy generation specialists, YLEM Energy, and will see the tableware manufacturer reduce its CO2 emissions by 475 tonnes each year.
Building on the success of its solar array, Denby has announced preliminary plans to construct a new solar PV car port at the Denby Pottery Visitor Centre car park to extend its electricity generation capacity and further reduce its carbon footprint.
Over 250,000 people visit Denby each year to watch their craftspeople use skills finessed over 200 years of pottery-making. Denby’s drive towards net zero using various technologies will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the site and visitors arriving by car will know their presence is also helping to contribute to Denby Pottery’s sustainable ambitions. Denby also plans, as part of the solar PV installation, to include charging points for electric vehicles (EVs).
Commenting on the new solar park, Nigel Mills MP commented: “It’s a real pleasure to visit the iconic Denby Pottery at a key moment in their journey to Net Zero. With a new solar array to drive down their CO2 emissions, Denby Pottery can continue producing their world-renowned products while making positive changes to lessen their impact on the environment”.
Ian Gadsby, Managing Director of YLEM Energy said: “Denby Pottery is pioneering the way toward zero greenhouse gas emissions with its solar farm and new solar car port. It is absolutely right to deepen its commitment to sustainable energy sourcing on site, particularly in the context of both energy security and high energy costs.”
Operations Director at Denby Pottery, Dean Barlow added: “We are very pleased that our new solar array is now online, and plan to extend our solar electricity generation facilities in the near future to further enhance our commitment to sustainability and continued carbon reduction. This is a major milestone in Denby’s journey to Net Zero”.
The first UK ceramic manufacturer to send zero process waste to landfill which saves 600 tonnes of CO2 each year, Denby’s sustainability begins with making quality tableware and home decor which has been made to last and designed to work all around the home. One tableware set can be used every day and for special occasions, indoors and out, and is safe for use in the oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.
In recognition to its commitment to sustainability, Denby recently received the Housewares Sustainable Product of the Year Award. Denby holds ISO 14001 which means sustainability and the care of the environment form an integrated part of the production process and management decision making. Denby still uses local clay which uses minimum transportation and recycles any excess clay and glaze from its processes. Denby has long had its own water treatment plant to treat water from its processes ready for returning to the water course and the Pottery continues to resource several initiatives in this space.
As part of a further agreement, Denby will be able to generate renewable energy onsite and export any excess, up to the available network capacity, through the National Grid via YLEM Energy’s Xchange platform. Estimates at this stage suggest that Denby’s contribution to the grid will be between 200,000 and 350,000 kWh per year.
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