Client Background
An existing UCS Renewables client who runs Bo’ness Scout Hut approached UCS Renewables and asked if we could donate some second-hand equipment but once we learned the full nature of the project, we were keen to help and provide a full solution. The Scout Hut were looking to achieve carbon neutrality with the energy savings being redistributed into the community to fund various activities.
The Challenge
The project was originally designed to feature Solar PV and a Wind Turbine to ensure the club would reach its Net-Zero targets. As the project developed, the company providing the wind turbine decided to withdraw leaving a shortfall of energy generation. With this project being close to our Director’s personal values, UCS Renewables agreed to make up the shortfall by extending the solar PV system - free of charge.
Director Paul Kidd described his son’s experience with local cubs and scout groups and how the skills he learnt helped his confidence to grow and develop a love of the outdoors - which they both still value to this day. Paul stated “When we learned that one of our clients ran a Scout Hut and was undertaking the ambitious task of becoming the first Scout Hut to be carbon neutral, UCS Renewables was a perfect fit to help achieve the goal”.
What UCS Renewables Did
Despite adverse weather conditions, our technical team completed the installation within three days across two elevations. The installation was straight-forward despite a delay in the delivery of materials due to an industry-wide shortage as a result of increased solar uptake.
As we self-funded this project, the Scout Hut had immediate energy bill savings and no payback period on their system. Upon commissioning of the system the Scout Hut achieved their carbon neutral goal. Further installation will be going ahead in 2023 to add battery storage to the array at no cost.
“The work at Bo’ness shows what can be achieved through partnerships with supportive organisations such as UCS Renewables. We plan to showcase the work completed at Bo’Ness to inspire other Scout groups to start challenging their own environmental footprint”Head of Outdoors & Adventure, Scouts Scotland
