The sun shone on the Jersey Cheshire Home this week as the charity received confirmation of an important grant from the Government of Jersey Fiscal Stimulus Fund.
The charity applied for the grant in 2020 during the height of the pandemic as a means to provide a safe and easy path towards a more sustainable future for the charity. The funding will enable the charity to install 166 solar panels on the roof of its Hydrotherapy Centre – an essential component of their residential rehabilitation programme – supporting the objectives of the Government Plan 2020-2023 in relation to the environment and tackling the current climate emergency. Annually, the solar panels will generate a significant 60,000 units (kwh’s), equivalent of to up to £9,300 of electricity per year at current rates, with the system warrantied for at least 12 years.
“As an organisation we recognise the importance of adopting good environmental practices and this project will enable us to further enhance our environmental credentials and lower our carbon footprint in line with overarching Government objectives for the island,” stated Donna Abel, Jersey Cheshire Home Chief Executive.
“However, a global pandemic, Brexit uncertainty and increasing operating costs have created one of the most uncertain economic environments for decades, and perhaps the most exciting outcome for our charity is that from a financial perspective. This project will support a notable reduction in our operating costs through the production of our own electricity, and the savings can then be reinvested into the ongoing care and rehabilitation of our residents to fulfil our mission of ‘Enhancing Lives”, she continued.
Through the adoption of solar technology, the charity will generate a portion of its own electricity needs which will create long term savings and reduces reliance on imported electricity.
“We acknowledge the long-term nature of the climate emergency, and thanks to the assistance of this fund we can enhance our commitment to reducing our emissions, while also generating business activity and supporting local employment,” confirmed Marc Burton, Jersey Cheshire Home Foundation Committee Vice Chair.
This project has been made possible through the support of the Fiscal Stimulus Fund and the Jersey Cheshire Home has extended its gratitude to the Government of Jersey. The Jersey Cheshire Home will be working in partnership with SunWorks, a locally owned and managed company working in the renewable energy construction industry, for the completion of this project. Once started the project will take no longer than 1 month to complete and is due to be underway by Summer 2021.
Mark Brandon, Director at SunWorks added: “This project is a great example of where technology and forward thinking can help organisations, including charities, to re-examine their finances and operating expenses. SunWorks are very happy to be playing our part by enabling businesses to reconsider the concept of energy use and become more self-reliant”.
