More solar panel installations at TrustFord and Barretts car dealerships

More AM100 dealer groups have announced significant investments in renewable energy as they hope to reduce their carbon footprint and overcome high electricity charges.

Both TrustFord and Barretts of Canterbury are taking action to become more efficient and environmentally responsible.

TrustFord, which won the Green Dealer of the Year Award at the NFDA Spring Ball this yeart, has now had 610 rooftop solar panels installed by Geo Green Power on its FordStore at Dagenham, which are expected to produce 182,182 kWh of electricity and offset about 35,000kg of CO2 emissions.

This comes after it had already installed 625 solar panels at its PartsPlus Centr in Thurrock, to offset almost 42,000kg of CO2.

Stuart Mustoe, TrustFord chief executive, said: “We’ve set ourselves a target to be carbon neutral by 2035. The product line-up and Ford Motor Company is going to play a huge part in that sustainability journey. But from a TrustFord perspective, this is a major step towards our goal of becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business.

"We’re looking forward to seeing the significant long-term difference the solar panels will have for us.”

Barretts of Canterbury has revealed a £500,000 investment plan to double the solar capacity at four of its sites by the end of this year to bolsteri its business sustainability.

It comes some 10 years since Barretts took its first steps to invest in solar energy generation, which included its large accident repair centre at Canterbury (pictured), which gained recognition at the time as the most sustainable industrial building in the Canterbury District. 

"We aim to ensure that our enterprises are operated in the most environmentally responsible manner possible," a Barretts spokesman said. 

"Although solar capability is already integrated into our sites there is still potential for further development. Upon the project's completion, we anticipate increasing our own energy generation by 3,475 kwh, thereby saving an additional 65,000kg of CO2 annually.

"Having been established in Kent for over 120 years, we have been present long enough to witness the remarkable evolution of the automotive sector – from the earliest combustion engine vehicles to today's impressive range of electric and hybrid automobiles, which we are privileged to retail. It remains our responsibility to similarly adapt and reduce our own carbon footprint."