Energy-saving measures at The Market Hall in Shrewsbury: what have we learned a year on?

One year on from having energy efficiency systems installed to reduce its carbon footprint and running costs, The Market Hall in Shrewsbury is seeing the benefits.

In 2019, a 22kW solar array was installed to convert the sun’s energy to produce electricity. LED lighting was also retrofitted to provide better working conditions, flexible lighting control and improved use of daylight. The sensors and controls mean that lights are not left on unnecessarily, enable natural daylight to be better used, and improve public conveniences and the basement corridor. Both businesses and the public alike benefit from improved lighting. Please see the case study for more information.

In the first 12 months, energy consumption at The Market Hall has reduced by 21% (30,920kWh). This has resulted in reduced CO₂ emissions of 8.6 tonnes CO2e, which is more than the average Shropshire citizen annual carbon footprint! This energy saving is like powering seven average UK homes.

The installation of solar electricity was part funded (60%) by the Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings (Seppuku) programme. Seppuku is a European Regional Development Fund-funded grant scheme to support low carbon measures in public buildings across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire.

The remaining 40% was funded by Shropshire Council, and it is estimated that the council will be paid back in full by the savings made in three years.

Energy efficiency programmes have been completed across several Shropshire Council sites to decrease energy use, reduce CO₂ production and generate financial savings for the council.

To date, projects have been completed at The Market Hall in Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn, Bridgnorth Library, Severn Valley Country Park and Shropshire Archives.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“The Market Hall was voted as the UK’s number one market in 2018, is rightly hugely popular, and we’re thrilled with the improvements of its energy performance.

“The project at The Market Hall is part of a wider programme of works that has seen successful energy efficiency measures installed at a number of council-owned sites across Shropshire.

“This is all part of our absolute commitment as a council to improve our carbon performance and become net carbon neutral by 2030.”

 The Market Hall 

Shrewsbury’s multi-award winning market is an exciting place to visit; famed for its street food, quirky cafes, local fresh produce and stalls selling everything from original art to vintage and home interiors.

Kate Gittins, facilities manager at The Market Hall, said:

“We’re delighted with the energy efficiencies and savings we’ve made so far. Thanks to motion sensors the lighting of the gallery walkways and public toilets responds to use, rather than remaining on throughout the day. The solar PV system on the roof has made substantial savings to our electricity bills.”

 

Find out more about the Market Hall on the website.

For more information about Seppuku projects in Shropshire, visit the Shropshire Council website.

You can find information about available grants for your business on our website.

#SustainableEnergyWeek