High-performance solar panels on the roof of TG Lynes have saved the equivalent amount of carbon as planting more than 1,500 new trees.

The solar PV system at the Enfield base of the heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier was switched on two years ago to the day.

Sustainability champions at the business have been crunching the numbers to celebrate the anniversary and have revealed the solar PV system has so far saved 25,129.03 kg of carbon – the equivalent to 1,518 trees planted.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes said: “The investment in this state-of-the-art solar PV system was a significant move by the business. We knew in theory that the panels would make a significant dent in our carbon footprint and would help us be more self-sufficient.

“Two years on and we now have solid data to work from and I am absolutely delighted that they have performed so well and are making such a huge contribution towards the business’ overall energy consumption.

“Coupled with the low-consumption LED lights that were installed at the same time, we have saved well in excess of 30,000 kg of carbon.”

The solar panels have produced in excess of 130 MWh of electricity since inception – and are currently providing more than 35% of the energy required for the business’ operations.

A sunny July last year saw the system produce the highest amount of energy so far – more than 10 MWh.

A total of 24.25 MWh has been returned to the grid, helping to meet the nation’s ever-increasing demand for energy.

Some of the excess energy produced by the solar panels is used to power TG Lynes’ company car fleet, which is now 100% hybrid or electric, with 40% full EV.

Other sustainable initiatives introduced at TG Lynes include switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in two of its 18 tonne Euro 6 vehicles. HVO vehicles create around 195kg of greenhouse gas CO² for every 1,000 litres burned, compared to 3.6 tonnes of GHG CO² for every 1,000 litres of diesel burned.

TG Lynes also has a rigorous waste management procedure and has introduced sustainable workwear made from 100% recycled plastic.  All plastic wrap and bags used by the business are made from recycled plastic.

Andrew added: “We are doing fantastic work to get the business moving towards a truly sustainable future.

“We have made huge strides over the last few years and have plans to keep progressing by looking at every aspect of our operations, from energy to delivery and sourcing stock to waste.”

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.