Taunton-based health insurer now generating 20% of electricity from the sun as part of its ongoing environmental commitment.
WPA, one of Somerset’s larger employers, continues its journey towards improving sustainability and limiting their impact on environment by installing 400 solar panels across its Taunton headquarters. This significant infrastructure project is the latest in a series of sustainability-led investments by WPA and will provide 20% of the organisation’s electricity needs—helping to cut carbon emissions by over 31 tonnes annually. 
Installed across eight roof sections and accompanying outbuildings at their UK headquarters in Somerset, the 150kWp system enables WPA to maximise the use of renewable power on site. The move is a core part of WPA’s strategic objective to reduce its environmental impact and supports its long-standing certification to ISO 14001:2015, the British Standard for Environmental Management, first attained in 2006 and independently audited every year since.
“This is a part of WPA’s ongoing commitment to the environment, not only reducing our conventional electricity usage but supporting WPA in fulfilling our environmental strategy,” said Clare Sampson, Head of Operations at WPA.
She added: “It’s a big step for us, cutting emissions and showing how businesses can lead on sustainability. This new system will help power our offices, charge electric vehicles for commuting and daily work as well as further reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.”
WPA’s environmental strategy is built around responsible operations and long-term sustainability. In the last year alone, WPA has replaced all of its lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and upgraded heating systems to modern, low-emission boilers. The newly installed solar panels build on these efforts and bring to life WPA’s commitment to continuous environmental improvement.
Key facts about the solar project:
While solar power will now supply a fifth of the business’s electricity, the remainder comes from a 100% green energy tariff. Any residual emissions are fully offset through Gold Standard-accredited projects, making WPA a CarbonZero certified organisation.
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