Custom Solar, part of Mitie, has completed the installation of a 1.25MWp roof-top solar PV array at Pets at Home’s new National Distribution Centre in Staffordshire. The distribution centre, which opened in early 2024, supplies products to the pet care brand’s 450-plus stores.
The solar array will help the national pet care brand to reduce its carbon emissions by over 221 tonnes a year, the equivalent energy use of 80 homes per year or 210 one-way flights from London to New York. In doing so, Custom Solar has supported Pets at Home on its path to meeting its ambitious target of reducing Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions by 42% by 2030 against a 2020 base year and reaching net zero by 2040.
Bringing its broad expertise as one of the UK’s largest commercial solar PV developers, Custom Solar has managed the approximately £1 million contract through the whole process from technical design through to the installation of the solar panels which span the roof of the landmark building for Pets at Home which received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its environmentally focused design. It also managed the installation of associated grid connections to ensure the reliability of the centre’s power supply.
Gary Sucharewycz, Managing Director, Custom Solar, said: “We’re proud to have helped to accelerate Pets at Home towards its carbon emission reduction targets with this innovative roof-top solar PV array and associated grid connection. As experts in supporting our customers in finding the best green energy solutions to meet their needs, we’re pleased to have supported the development of the building which has received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its sustainability credentials.”
Catriona Curtis, Head of Sustainability, Pets at Home, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Mitie on this step towards achieving our sustainability goals. This installation will make an important contribution to the reduction of our operational emissions and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together to create innovative solutions, to help us create a better world for pets and the people who love them.”
Notes to editors
Notes to editors
About Mitie
Founded in 1987, Mitie employs 72,000 colleagues and is the leading technology-led Facilities Transformation company in the UK. We are a trusted partner to around 3,000 blue chip customers across the public and private sectors, working with them to transform their built estates, and the lived experience for their colleagues and customers, as well as providing data-driven insights to inform better decision-making.
In each of our core services of engineering (hard services) and security and hygiene (soft services) we hold market leadership positions. We also deliver projects capabilities in the areas of power and grid connections, building fit outs & modernisation, decarbonisation, fire & security, and telecoms infrastructure. Our sector expertise includes central government, critical national infrastructure, defence, financial services, healthcare & life sciences, local government & education, retail & logistics and transport & aviation.
We hold industry-leading ESG credentials, including a place on the CDP Climate change A List, and in the past 12 months we have received multiple industry awards including Best Low Carbon Solution and Net Zero Carbon Strategy of the Year. Targeting Net Zero by the end of 2025, our ambitious emissions reduction plans have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have been recognised as a UK Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year. Find out more at www.mitie.com.
About Pets at Home:
Pets at Home is the UK’s leading pet care brand, bringing together more than 450 stores, over 350 grooming salons, and almost 500 veterinary surgeries and practices across the UK. Providing one destination for all pet care needs – from nutritional advice, to grooming, veterinary care, to rehoming – Pets at Home is dedicated to making life better for pets and the people who love them.
Visit petsathome.com to find your nearest store and for further information.