LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will soon be home to a landmark solar PV carport, installed by Mitie under a new partnership between Zestec Renewable Energy and Merlin Attractions Operations.
The 1.2MW arrayed solar carport will generate over 1.1million kWh of clean electricity annually – enough to power the equivalent of over 400 UK homes. It will also save 195 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is equivalent to taking around 130 average petrol cars off the road annually.
The energy generated will directly power the new Woodland Village, LEGOLAND® Windsor’s first carbon-neutral and guest accommodation. In addition to its environmental benefits, the carport will also provide shaded parking for guests, enhancing the visitor experience. Whilst the energy onsite was already being procured via a green electricity tariff, the onsite solar project represents a further step forward, with clean electricity generated and consumed directly at the source. This milestone marks a major step in Merlin’s sustainability journey, aligning with its commitment to reduce environmental impact across its global attractions, and strengthening its pathway to achieving scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality by 2030. This exciting project builds on Mitie and Zestec’s partnership and shared portfolio of solar installations across the UK.
Mitie has proven expertise in renewable energy and is committed to helping customers cut carbon through its Plan Zero programme. Mitie is recognised as a leader in ESG and has helped organisations across the UK transition to low-carbon operations, including solar PV installations for Pets at Home, David Lloyd Leisure, and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Zestec Renewable Energy is owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, and is the UK’s leading renewable energy developer, helping commercial and industrial businesses harness the benefits of renewable energy with fully financed solutions. Ensuring protection against energy price volatility and cutting carbon emissions, Zestec’s model enables organisations to accelerate their net zero plans, without tying up investment capital.
Dare Ilori, Group Sustainability Director, Merlin Entertainments Group, said: “The delivery of the solar carport demonstrates Merlin’s commitment to long-term sustainability and continued investment across the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, delivering the ultimate guest experience. In the past eight years, we have successfully reduced our absolute carbon emissions by 25% and our carbon intensity by an impressive 43% across global operations, and have plans to go much further, becoming a carbon neutral in operation by 2030.”
Mark Caskey, Managing Director, Mitie Projects, said: “We’re proud to be working with Merlin Entertainments and Zestec Renewable Energy to deliver this landmark solar carport at LEGOLAND Windsor. The clean energy it generates will help power the new Woodland Village and provide shaded parking, making visits more comfortable for guests.
“This builds on our hands-on experience in clean energy and a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions – values that align perfectly with Merlin’s environmental goals.”
Elizabeth Gibbons, Project Manager, Zestec Renewable Energy, said: “The development and delivery of this solar carport showcases how Zestec helps organisations like Merlin Entertainments to take meaningful steps towards achieving their sustainability goals. This project proves that clean energy can be accessible, visible and financially smart, whilst making a real contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Our fully funded PPA solution is a model that could help transform the leisure sector.”
