WD-40, known globally for its multi-purpose maintenance products, wanted to utilise the potential of its European head office roof to increase its reliance on renewable energy. With sustainability at the forefront of its corporate objectives, the company aimed to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions and lower its energy costs. However, the project came with challenges, including the height of the building and the need for scaffolding on all four sides to enable safe installation.
We responded swiftly to WD-40’s initial inquiry, offering a competitive and transparent quotation based on a preliminary analysis using Google Maps imagery. Following a detailed site visit, we designed a solar panel system that maximised energy generation while minimising disruption during installation.
With a keen eye on health and safety, we took a series of necessary precautions to maximise project success from the outset – not just to protect the lives of individuals carrying out the installation, but to safeguard the client’s reputation and business too. In addition to a detailed risk assessment, method statements, certifications, and insurance, this included carefully executing the scaffolding required to ensure safety at height.
Public and personnel safety was the ultimate priority. However, we also had to be mindful of other businesses working within the vicinity, avoiding daily disruption and carefully selecting how the scaffold would be erected. Meanwhile, it was important to consider the building fabric, avoiding damage during construction and removal. Plus, with a series of heavy solar panels and mounting kit to transport on to the roof, scaffolding needed to support the weight of equipment that would be distributed across the working platform.
A HAKI stair system and loading platform provided a safe point to load the pallets, scaffold buttresses were added to support the strength of the overall structure – which reached 14m high on the tallest side of the building – and Heras fencing was added to prevent the public from accessing the scaffold during the installation.
Our dedicated team then worked closely with WD-40 to implement an efficient phased installation plan. The result was an efficient project with clear communication, minimal operational downtime, and stringent health and safety compliance throughout. Now, WD-40 Company benefits from a high-performing solar panel system that seamlessly integrates with the building’s infrastructure.
Since becoming operational, the system has generated over 60,000 kWh of renewable energy in just eight months, exceeding expectations and reducing WD-40’s energy reliance on the grid. The installation was completed on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to the team’s day-to-day operations.
This project represents a significant step in WD-40’s commitment to cutting scope 1 and scope 2 emissions – those coming directly from owned or controlled sources, as well as those produced indirectly from the purchase and use of energy – by 50% by 2030. It also sets the stage for future enhancements, such as battery storage solutions to further capitalise on renewable energy generation.
“Our experience with Purelec Energy has been outstanding. From the initial quotation to the final handover, the process was seamless. The responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to deliver within our tight timelines were exceptional. In just eight months, we’ve generated over 60,000 kWh of renewable energy, significantly reducing our energy costs and supporting our sustainability goals. We’re already considering a second phase with battery storage.”
– Nick Green, vice president, global supply chain strategy, WD-40 Company
Inspired by the energy-efficient transformation of this commercial property?
