Tayside commercial property developer Castlecroft has announced it is the first property management firm in Dundee to take advantage of a growing trend in renewable energy following the installation of a solar-powered heating system at Castlecroft Business Centre near Claypotts in Dundee.
![\"Castlecroft](\"http://www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk/cms/images/solar-panel.jpg\")
The move comes amidst a backdrop of price hikes announced by major energy suppliers in recent weeks.
The six figure sum investment in renewable energy has seen solar panels installed on the roof of the 500 sq metre building which currently houses almost 30 local businesses.
Anne Smith, managing director of Castlecroft commented:
\'This is a bold move but one which we believe offers a sustainable business model for us and our residents, for years to come. Energy bills continue to rise and we have no expectation that this upward trend will stop.
\'Our business is about offering quality office accommodation for smaller businesses at affordable prices. Some time ago we moved to an all-inclusive model of rental fees, which includes energy costs and other utilities such as phone and broadband. This has been incredibly popular during the economic downturn as firms sought to save money and minimise overheads. By moving to solar powered energy we take the power, literally, back into our own hands and can generate more than sufficient energy for our own needs, as well as offer additional energy supply back into the National Grid. It’s a win-win situation.\'
