Sandtoft Roof Tiles,
the pioneering roof tile manufacturer has made a landmark pledge of support
for solar energy, following the Department of Trade and Industry’s decision
to cut its financial support for homeowners investing in renewable electricity.
With immediate effect, Sandtoft will sell its solar electric (photovoltaic)
and solar thermal systems at zero profit in order to make the renewable energy
solutions as cost-effective as possible.
By selling the C21e and C21t tiles at cost, Sandtoft not only hopes to fuel
the rising level of interest in solar solutions from the British public, but
also to inspire more developers and architects to harness the potential of renewable
energy systems as part of sustainable developments.
Simon Oldridge, Sandtoft’s managing director commented:
“Solar solutions perform a key role in the future of sustainable development,
and as a business that is committed to inspiring a greener construction industry
we have made the decision to sell our solar tiles at zero profit for the first
year.”
“It is essential that the government and the construction industry work
together to make renewable energy solutions a genuine possibility for real homes
and developments,” he continued, “not simply one-off eco-home projects
and the wealthiest of households.”
Although Gordon Brown increased the DTI’s budget for the grant scheme
by 50 percent to almost £19million in March, the maximum grant available
to homeowners looking to install a solar-energy system has been slashed from
£15,000 to £2,500. The decision could result in solar systems being
over 60 percent more expensive for property owners, which could undermine the
growth of such solutions in the UK.
The solar products available through Sandtoft are supplied by Sandtoft’s
renewable energy partner solarcentury, the UK’s leading solar solutions
provider. Compatible with Sandtoft’s Calderdale roof tile, the panels integrate
with the tiles using an interlocking system that does not compromise the integrity
of the roof.
Driven by Simon Oldridge’s personal passion for environmental issues,
Sandtoft’s solar pledge is the latest in a string of innovative policies
initiated by the manufacturer as part of a ‘Green Resolution’ issued
in January. The company has already switched to 100 percent renewable electricity,
reducing its total carbon emissions by 25 percent, and in March the firm installed
100 percent biodiesel pumps at its HQ in Doncaster as part of a comprehensive
fleet conversion to the carbon-neutral fuel. In May, The Royal Institute of
British Architects selected Simon Olddridge to deliver a keynote speech at its
inaugural conference on sustainable products.
Mr Oldridge added:
“Our philosophy is not simply to reduce our own contribution to climate
change, but also to inspire others to do the same. The solar pledge is a prime
example of the steps we are taking to achieve this.”
Posted 30th May 2007
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