In a truly closed-loop collaboration, JSP Ltd has recently invested in a solar PV panel infrastructure supplied by the global electrical specialist, Rexel Group which is being used to generate the energy needed to manufacturer its iconic safety helmets which are, in turn, being sold at Rexel branches nationwide.
Founded in 1964 with its headquarters in Oxford, JSP Ltd is recognised as the European market leader in ‘above the neck’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and industrial head protection. The business exports to leading distributors across over 100 countries including, of course, the Rexel Group.
JSP Ltd was seeking a new way to reduce its carbon footprint but it wasn’t until Nick Brent, Corporate Development Director at Rexel Group, paid a visit, that the possibilities of energy-saving hit home.
Nick provided a detailed overview on the developments in solar PV panels and quickly organised a survey which demonstrated how JSP would be able to operate its Oxford headquarters, serving nearly 200 staff, on site almost exclusively using the sun’s energy. With increasing energy costs a big concern the payback was extremely compelling in addition to the clear corporate social responsibility benefits.
Nick and his team devised a tailored specification including SolarWorld panels which offer the highest system efficiency and deliver a peak power of 250w. This was supported with the Power One solar invertor, along with accessories.
Since going live in March 2014, the system has saved a colossal 222.7 MWh of electricity and 339.92 tonnes of carbon; the equivalent of 72.5 acres of pine forest. The energy saved is enough to run a TV for 65,784 days or even power 1,747 computers for a year.
Typically, enough power is produced so that 1 in 3 of safety helmets are made solely by the sun and 100% on a very sunny day.
Mark Johnstone, Chief Executive of JSP Ltd said: “I’ve known Nick a long time and thanks to his proactive and extremely supportive approach we were able to make our desire to reduce our environmental footprint a reality. It’s even better when considering Rexel Group are such a large and important customer for JSP’s safety helmets that they are made in Oxford using energy from their PV panels.”
Nick Brent, Head of Industrial Sales at Rexel Group comments: “Our differentiating factor is that we can offer everything, from world-leading product innovation though to expertise, to make the customer journey that bit easier –which is vital in a project of this scale. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the JSP team on this unique project and look forward to future collaborations to come.”
Rexel Group products are available from branches of Newey & Eyre, WF Senate, Wilts and Denmans.
