Powering Up Our Future

James Hargreaves' Journey to Carbon Neutrality

At James Hargreaves Plumbers Merchants Ltd, we've always been committed to providing top-quality plumbing, heating, and bathroom materials. But our commitment extends beyond our products – it's about building a sustainable future, for our business, our community, and the planet. That's why we're incredibly proud to announce a significant leap forward in our journey towards carbon neutrality: a major solar power installation at our Burnley site.

For too long, businesses have faced the challenge of rising electricity costs alongside the urgent need to reduce their environmental impact. We recognised these challenges and saw an opportunity to not only secure our energy future but also reinforce our dedication to sustainability. Our goal was clear: to implement a cleaner, more cost-effective energy solution that would minimise our carbon footprint and strengthen our resilience.

In January 2025, we partnered with Centreco, a leading UK-based solar energy systems installer for businesses, to bring our vision to life. The project involved the installation of a powerful 206.25kW roof-mounted Tier One Solar Energy System. This impressive system comprises 497 Longi 415W panels and six Solis S5 inverters, meticulously installed across four of our buildings.

From the outset, minimising disruption to our daily operations was a top priority. Centreco's structured project management approach, combined with clear communication and flexible scheduling, ensured a seamless installation process. We're delighted that the project was completed with minimal impact, allowing us to continue serving our valued customers without interruption.

The results have been truly remarkable and have exceeded our expectations. This significant investment in solar energy has delivered substantial benefits:

• Significant Energy Cost Savings: We're already seeing a tangible reduction in our energy costs, with nearly £6,000 saved in the first quarter alone. This translates to enhanced business resilience and greater control over our operational expenses.
• Reduced Carbon Emissions: By generating clean energy to power our entire site, including our buildings, equipment, and even some of our vehicles, we've drastically reduced our reliance on the national grid and, consequently, our carbon emissions. This is a monumental step towards achieving our net-zero carbon aspirations.
• Strengthened Sustainability Credentials: Our commitment to environmental responsibility has been significantly boosted. This initiative has resonated positively with our stakeholders, including employees and customers, who have expressed their appreciation for our dedication to a greener future.
• Industry Leadership: As Scott Wright, our Low Carbon Technical Heating Sales Manager, highlighted, the results have matched our expectations, providing both financial benefits and robust support for our long-term sustainability strategy. David Eddison, our Operations Director, proudly emphasised our role in equipping installers with the knowledge and resources needed for a low-carbon future, solidifying our position as an industry leader in environmental responsibility.

This solar installation isn't just about reducing costs; it's about investing in a sustainable future. It's a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our proactive approach to tackling climate change. We believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in building a more sustainable world, and we're proud to be leading by example.

We're incredibly excited about what this means for James Hargreaves and for the wider community. Powering up with solar energy is more than just an operational change; it's a statement of our values and our dedication to a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.