Multi-storey car park in Peckham goes green
Published 21 February 2011
Parking your car in Peckham has just got more environmentally friendly, thanks to new energy efficiency measures at the Cerise Road multi-storey.
New technology has been installed at the car park which will optimise the voltage of the incoming electricity supply, in effect reducing the amount of energy required to light the car park.
The move is part of Southwark Council's Invest To Save Salix fund, and should see the council reduce its carbon emissions at this site by over 36 tonnes every year. The measure is also expected to save £5,315 a year on the site's energy bills.
Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said:
"Car parks aren't often seen as being at the forefront of energy saving but this is a great example of putting technology to innovative use. I'm determined to explore all opportunities at the council to see where we can introduce energy savings like this one, and by setting up a fund such as this it encourages more efficient use of our buildings and minimises the carbon footprint of the council at the same time."
Background Information
Salix Fund
The Salix fund is a council fund of over £150,000 which is ring fenced for improvements to council buildings. It can be used to finance energy efficiency measures from loft insulation to new automatic lighting controls and even new boilers.
The techy bit
Southwark Council is installing a powerPerfector pP150kVA at a 7% optimisation at the Cerise Road car park. It optimises voltage, dealing with the discrepancy between the actual supply voltage you receive (207V - 253V) and the optimum voltage your electrical equipment needs (220V).
What this means for energy savings.
Voltage power optimisation cuts energy use by up to 20%, reduces carbon emissions by up to 15%, and prolongs the life and reliability of all equipment. The car park is expected to see savings of 9% on yearly energy consumption resulting in a saving of 36,127kg carbon emissions per year.
Does the technology have any impact any levels of light?
No. Optimising the voltage will not cause lights to dim and lighting levels will be maintained within their original design specification.
Where else has this technology been used?
powerPerfector have rolled out this technology throughout stores at a national supermarket chain, as well as car parks in London , Essex and Kent .
