Energy saving measures installed at a Devon Care Home have helped the property make significant financial savings as well as win two awards in recognition of its environmental efforts.
Stallcombe House, which caters for adults with learning disabilities and autism, worked with Midas Energy to develop ways to cut its energy consumption and reduce its carbon footprint. The care home has a range of measures installed, including a ground source heat pump, biomass facilities and a number of small rooftop solar PV installations.
As well as these improvements, the Mi-space division of the Exeter-based Midas Group managed the installation of a 500MW solar system at the home in Woodbury, as well as helping to fit a biomass boiler which is intended to help Stallcombe House more energy-efficiency in the future.
According to Chris Thistle, general manager of Stallcombe House, the home expects to make annual savings of up to £40,000 off its energy bills.
“This project was about securing the future of our energy use as well as reducing costs, and we are absolutely positive it will help us to save money on our energy use, and be hugely beneficial to the organisation,” he added.
Midas Energy was commissioned to find ways the care facility could reduce its operational costs, carrying out a consultancy and assessment service followed by a feasibility study for the solar project. It also managed the planning application before organising installation of the panels through the Mi-space division.
Following the work being completed, Stallcombe House went on to win at the Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards at the end of last year when it was judged the Business with the Best Sustainable Ethos. It also named Best Overall Sustainable Business in Devon ahead of all the other winners.
Jonathan Davis, head of Midas Energy, said: “We are immensely proud to have been pivotal in helping to shape the innovation and creation of a new heat and power strategy for Stallcombe House which has brought about real solutions, and for the charity to have gone on to win two prized awards at the DEBI awards – including the Winner of Winners overall award – which was a great accolade for a very worthy recipient.”
Lucy Robinson, DEBI administrator, said: “DEBI was extremely impressed by how Stallcombe has gone to extensive lengths to utilise and harness renewable energy from solar PV, biomass and ground source heat pumps, as well as the sympathetic use of the grounds to work in harmony with the environment.
