Committed to tackling climate change

We’re committed to tackling climate change at Aviva – we became the first carbon neutral international insurer in 2006 and continue to offset any remaining operational carbon emissions today. But we’re always on the look for new ways of reducing our environmental impact. Our new solar carport in Norwich is helping us to do just that. Solar carport will cover 250 car park spaces at a core Aviva site.

Based at Broadlands Business Park, the specially-constructed solar panels cover 250 car park spaces and will generate 542,000 kWh annually – enough to power 138 homes annually or an electric car for 1.5 million miles (60 times around the world)¹.  At peak generating capacity, Aviva will use 91% of the generated ‘green’ energy.

Aviva also made an active decision to use local suppliers for this this latest development, employing Norwich-based firm RenEnergy for the construction of the carport. The design has 1,872 solar panels (each 325-watt) and a 313-metre bespoke mounting frame, which was developed to minimise the amount of concrete required in the build. Created with the future of motoring in mind, each parking-space is electric vehicle ready, allowing chargers to be added to meet user demand.

The solar carport is the latest development in Aviva’s ambition to tackle climate change. It became the first carbon neutral international insurer in 2006 and it continues to offset any remaining operational carbon emissions today. To date, Aviva has achieved a 60% reduction in CO₂e against the 2010 baseline and is working towards an ambitious target of a 70% reduction by 2030.

Damian Baker from RenEnergy said: “We were delighted to be provided with the opportunity to showcase our bespoke solar carport designs with the Norwich Aviva offices.  Aviva has shown real foresight in utilising its car park to expand its generation capacity, whilst reducing its environmental impact and future-proofing the business for the electric car revolution.  Furthermore, the system does not sacrifice any car parking spaces.

“We hope other companies will follow Aviva’s lead and the benefits offered by the innovative design.”