Nursery group Bright Little Stars (BLS) has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems at two of its nurseries in Harrow and Barnet.

The installations, enabled by My Eco Energy (MEE), will help BLS reduce its carbon footprint while cutting energy costs.

The solar panels at the Harrow nursery are expected to offset 38% of the nursery’s overall electricity usage, leading to an estimated saving of £5,500 per year. The Barnet nursery, with a slightly smaller system, will achieve a 29% reduction in electricity usage.

At the Harrow nursery, there will be an estimated reduction of approximately three tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO2e) each year., while Barnet will see reductions of around 2.5 tonnes.

The installation of solar panels at Harrow and Barnet is part of Bright Little Stars‘ broader Energy Saving Project, which launched in January 2023. This initiative, aimed at improving energy efficiency across all six BLS nurseries, has achieved a 5-10% reduction in energy usage throughout 2023.

“We feel we are not just a business; we are part of a community committed to driving sustainable growth and tackling climate change” said Amol Devani, co-founder and chief executive Officer at BLS. “Our energy-saving initiatives demonstrate our dedication to sustainability, whilst highlighting our innovative approach to cutting operational costs, ultimately delivering greater value to our parents.”

As the group expands, all new nurseries opened will implement energy-saving initiatives from day one, including the installation of solar panels, maximising natural light, adjusting thermostats and actively engaging both staff and children in sustainability efforts.