Sustainability assessment and opportunities identification for ground based photovoltaic array
Major public sector organisation
In 2024, Pick Everard design, compliance and performance, management and cost teams, lead the preparation of a detailed sustainability feasibility study for exploring sustainable energy options at a secure government compound in West Africa.
“Thanks to all the Pick Everard team who have clearly invested a lot of time and expertise in the report. I have noted the clear key recommendations and additional requirements, as well as the added value that the social value elements give us. The consideration given to using the local supply chains and developing local resources is also noted. It’s an excellent report, comprehensive, and gives us all we need to move forward."
Our approach
Quantifiably assessing the risks and opportunities associated with carbon, circular economy and climate change resiliency during the tender, installation, management and end of life of a series of ground based photovoltaic cells, at a secure government facility in West Africa. This also involved:
- The proposed PV system could be expected to provide approximately 95% of the site electrical load
- The PVs would offer a £553k net revenue lifetime saving on grid electricity costs, over 30 years, with an estimated payback period of only 7 years
- The total lifetime carbon impact of the PVs was calculated at 303,732kgCO2e, with the battery systems contributing a further 8,253kgCO2e; however, the PVs offered an annual carbon saving of 257,925kgCO2e
- Circular economy opportunities explored included: the use of screw piles, the reuse of an existing garage building for battery storage (saving 2,316kgCO2e) as well as advanced groundworks for future PV expansion and site development
- A potential to accrue up to £410,334 of social value benefit across the PV scheme lifetime, should all recommended study initiatives be adopted.