Metropolitan Police begin greening stations

The police station is the first of 42 buildings in the Greater London area to go green with solar panels and other energy reduction equipment being installed.

These include solar film fitted on windows to reflect sunshine and to control temperature reducing the need for air conditioning, replacing old boilers, energy efficient lighting.

As well as ‘voltage stabilisation’ to reduce incoming energy from the grid by 50%, a ventilation plant for staff areas and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system – which captures the heat created by energy generation for use locally.

The station was originally built in 1972 and was only refurbished in 2001, the green makeover is due to be completed in the autumn and the building will remain open throughout.

The buildings involved in the programme are used by the Metropolitan Police Authority, Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade and include operational fire and police stations, head offices and listed buildings.

As well as 42 buildings currently being improved the London force have earmarked another 58 buildings within these groups are now being assessed.

London mayor, Boris Johnson, said: ‘With the start of this fantastic eco-makeover at Wembley police station, we are truly seeing London’s boys in blue, go green.

“This marks the start of an innovative programme to slash carbon emissions in the same way across a wide range of public buildings in the Greater London Authority group, which will save a million pounds per year off the city’s fuel bills and help to tackle climate change.”

Luke Walsh