Science Creates: Powering innovation with solar energy

Rising to the challenge

Since opening its first facility in St Philips in 2017, Science Creates has been home to innovative start-ups seeking breakthroughs in science and engineering to improve the health of people and the planet.  Offering specialised laboratory, office and amenity spaces, enables them to grow their companies and develop their cutting-edge technologies. But with 16 labs running around the clock, energy bills are high. So, Science Creates set out to reduce their carbon footprint and cut costs.

They were already using renewable energy from their electricity supplier but wanted to go further. A free carbon survey from the Mayoral Combined Authority identified achievable ways cut carbon further, starting with rooftop solar panels.

Science Creates successfully applied for a Rooftop Solar Grant through the Mayoral Combined Authority with the panels installed in August 2024.

Seeing the results

It’s already paying off. The solar panels now provide up to 25% of the site’s electricity and are delivering noticeable savings each month. Although it’s not yet been a year, the panels have generated 70,000 kwh of electricity — equating to 14.5 tonnes of CO2 saved or the equivalent of powering an average UK household for 7 years. The full return on investment is expected in 4 or 5 years. 

What's next

Looking ahead, Science Creates is exploring more ways to boost sustainability with other energy-saving suggestions from the original carbon survey—including adding insulated ceiling tiles and improving window insulation.