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Decarbonising Islington Waste and Recycling Centre

Islington Council had a target for their Waste and Recycling Centre to be decarbonised and to take steps towards a greener and healthier future for the borough. The project is now complete, and this milestone achievement marks a significant step forward in the Council's efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The Waste and Recycling Centre will be the first council building to be completely transformed with energy saving upgrades.

Vital Energi installed 852 solar panels on the roof of the recycling centre and delivered essential mechanical and electrical work which included the replacement of six Air Handling Units (AHUs) with electric and refrigerant coils. The generation system in the plantroom which was run by two Direct Gas Fired Domestic Hot Water (DHW) now runs via an air-to-water source heat pump DHW system which supplies the centre with hot water.

Vital Energi upgraded the Low Voltage (LV) electrical infrastructure by building a new LV switch room which included the installation of lighting, power, containment, fire alarm and protection services. This upgrade will improve energy efficiency, increase carbon savings to the environment and reduce energy consumptions and costs.

“Islington Council has a commitment to achieving their carbon net zero target by 2030 and this project not only displays the importance of renewable technologies, but it also takes the council a step further towards reaching their goal. Great to see the impact social value initiatives have had on the charity and local football clubs, strengthening the community whilst ensuring we are protecting the planet for our future generations”.

Gerry Davies, Regional Director, Vital Energi

To celebrate the completion of the project, the council organised a ceremony which saw the attendance of the Mayor of Islington, Council Champion, and many others present at the inauguration of the new project.

“As a council, we’re committed to making the borough a greener, healthier place for everyone. To truly tackle the climate emergency, it is going to need the whole borough to play its part. I’m delighted that we can lead the way by making existing buildings as green as possible, using the best technologies available including solar power to create clean energy, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The transformation of the Waste and Recycling Centre shows the huge benefits and impact that greener technologies can bring, and how vital it is for local and national government to work together on projects like this. By taking advantage of state-of-the-art technology, we are reducing our environmental impact and showing how we can make a difference, leading by example in combatting climate change."

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member

Vital Energi share the council’s passion for maximising the social value of the project and were able to sponsor Kentish Town under 12s girls football team, Vital Energi organised two football tournaments which we titled ‘The Vital Energi Cup’ with a family fun day theme held at Market Road Football Pitches in Islington. The tournament helped raise more than £700 for Kentish Town F.C., all proceedings went towards equipment and pitch hire, and we provided a new kit to one of the Kentish Town teams.

Vital Energi went further and raised over £7000 for Islington Giving towards their Islington Winter Appeal which helps to make an impact in the local community, helping to create opportunities for isolated older people to make connections and beat loneliness.

“Since the beginning of our partnership with Vital Energi, the team have gone above and beyond in their social value commitments. In addition to significant contributions to the work of Islington Giving, Ben and the Vital team have been all hands on deck to organise fundraising events – from raffles to an under 13’s community football tournament – and support our events and campaigns. Their support is helping to making a real difference to the lives of people in Islington, providing essential funding to a range of local community projects like Grub Club – helping isolated older men to make connections and build confidence in the kitchen, and Mother2Mother – a group providing therapeutic support for female caregivers. We are so grateful to the team for their enthusiasm and dedication and look forward to continuing to work together to make Islington a more equal place, where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life”.

Lisa Robinson at Islington Giving, Director of Communications and Development