A solar energy project has been completed on Hampstead HeathNew panels will power Lido systems, saving over 11.5 tonnes of carbon emissions a year – equivalent to powering 15 average-sized homes.New system will help power the Lido’s water filtration pumps, cut carbon emissions and reduce operational energy costs
A project to install 163 new solar panels on the roof of Parliament Hill Lido is now complete.
It comes as the City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity, continues to cut carbon emissions on its sites to reach net zero as part of its Climate Action Strategy.
The new panels, on the roof of the main Grade II-listed Lido building, complement an earlier set installed in 2018.
The new system will help power the Lido’s water filtration pumps, reducing operational energy costs, and cut annual carbon emissions by over 11.5 tonnes – equivalent to powering 15 average-sized homes a year.
Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:
“Our Climate Action Strategy stretches far beyond the Square Mile. With 11,000 acres of open space under our stewardship, we’re uniquely placed to help drive environmental change right across London.
“This installation shows how we’re making our strategy a reality – cutting carbon, reducing energy costs, and delivering long-term sustainability for the benefit of all Londoners.
“The Lido is an iconic London landmark, and these solar panels will help future-proof it for generations to come, while preserving its historic character.”
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, added:
“It won’t just be visitors who’ll be soaking up the sun in the future. This installation shows our determination to manage the Heath sustainably and sensitively, so it continues to meet the needs of users while tackling the urgent challenge of climate change.
“I’d particularly like to thank the whole team responsible for delivering this great project, demonstrating that renewable energy production can be secured sympathetically on historically sensitive buildings.”
Parliament Hill Lido is one of London’s best-loved outdoor swimming venues, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors each year. Since opening in 1938, it has seen a series of sensitive upgrades to enhance the experience for users while protecting its heritage value.
Hampstead Heath is one of the capital’s most iconic open spaces, attracting over 10 million visits a year. It is home to over 800 species of flora and fauna and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
The scheme forms part of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027, and across its full value chain and the Square Mile by 2040 – a decade ahead of national targets.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About the City of London Corporation:
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.
The new solar panels are Cradle to Cradle-certified, ensuring a highly sustainable supply chain and long product lifespan.
More about the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/environmental-health/climate-action
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