With the launch of the Sarens Sustainability Accelerator, we are at the forefront of the energy transition, boldly bringing the world smarter engineering, cleaner opportunities, and game-changing innovations. And because we know that real change starts from within, we’re serious about accelerating green initiatives within our Group and across the globe.
As part of this mission, we are installing more and more solar panels across Sarens locations worldwide. We started by installing solar panels at our headquarters in Belgium and are now expanding our focus to the positive changes we can make across our Eastern European locations. These initiatives are already underway in Poland, and we are currently investigating possibilities for photovoltaics in Lithuania and the Czech Republic.
In Poland, we recently installed 50kWp solar panels on our warehouse roof in Sochaczew, and are planning a similar rollout in Gdansk. If regulations allow, we will increase power in Sochaczew to 150 kWp, and potentially increase it to the same level in Gdansk with the use of specially-designed on-ground frames and supports that can provide additional space for the panels.
Investing in photovoltaics has been an important move for Sarens, and one we know will be positive for our environment, our clients, and our bottom line.
First, the future of Europe depends on the health of our planet, and EU countries have committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Practically speaking, this means reducing the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, as compared to 1990 levels. The benefit is that these solar panels produce electricity from solar radiation without emitting harmful substances or generating noise and pollution.
Additionally, many of our clients are connected to the renewable energy sector and expect us to be a green energy supplier. This also makes sense from a business perspective: energy costs have increased sharply in recent times, and the business case for solar panels grows each year. Although they require an investment that initially seems high, they gradually pay off in the form of decreased energy costs. This, combined with their virtually maintenance-free operation, makes them a winning solution for a greener, more sustainable future.
