A MAJOR project to install renewable technology at a series of sites in Barrow has been completed.

Photovoltaic panels – which produce electricity, while solar panels produce heat – have been introduced at The Dock Museum in North Road, Barrow, as well as around 90 homes owned by the borough council in the town's Roosegate and Yew Tree areas.

“It’s vital that we take climate change seriously and that we all do everything we can to fight it," said Cllr Therese Assouad, Barrow Council's lead member for climate emergency. 

“We all need to think differently about energy use and to consider the actions we can take to make a difference."

This work, the latest chunk of the Low Carbon Barrow programme, began in 2022. 

The borough council says it is predicted that the panels on the roof of The Dock Museum will save more than nine tonnes of carbon per year.

"Nine tonnes of carbon is equivalent to the emissions produced by driving 33,500 miles in a diesel car – the equivalent of driving from Land’s End to John O'Groats over 40 times," said a spokesman.

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Low Carbon Barrow was launched by the borough council in 2021 and was backed by money from the European Regional Development Fund and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. 

The scheme has seen LED lighting installed at Barrow Park Leisure Centre in Greengate Street and at The Forum theatre – to the stage, public and conference areas of the building – in Barrow's Duke Street. 

A total of 18 electric vehicle charging points have been introduced at car parks operated by the borough council.

The programme has also seen the launch of a grant scheme to help businesses in the borough 'identify ways of embracing lower-carbon technologies'.

"Low Carbon Barrow has resulted in a number of initiatives that are having a positive impact upon our carbon footprint in the borough," said Cllr Assouad.

"Enabling buildings and homes to harness solar energy is another excellent example of this."

The borough council declared a climate emergency on July 16, 2019.

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