Nissan Ireland has completed an update to its current headquarters in Dublin featuring a large solar array and its X-Storage battery wall technology. The refurbishment was part of the company's move to a new, but already constructed building - something it says further helped to reduce its environmental impact. Some 350 solar panels make up the east-west array which can harvest up to 100kWp of power for longer periods during the day.
The X-Storage system is essentially the same type of battery that powers the Nissan Leaf and is adapted to store excess energy for later use in a commercial or domestic setting. These can be charged up in the morning, or evening and distribute power during the peak periods. The combination of this setup means that Nissan Ireland now gets 41 per cent of its annual energy demand from solar.
Electric company cars equate to a staff pay rise
The use of electric vehicles by staff as company cars is now at 60 per cent, and the company is installing more chargers bringing the total on-site to 16. New bi-directional charging units from Zappi, enable the cars to provide power to the building from their battery packs, thus further levelling out the energy load during busy periods.
As most electric vehicles do not incur benefit in kind, using them as company cars can equate to a pay rise of between €9,000 and €10,000 in some cases. Not only does this benefit the employee, but it is an easy win for companies that are seeking to reduce environmental impact.
Speaking at the opening, James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland, said: "Businesses and government need to evaluate their environmental credentials including looking at their fleet and company car policies to determine whether they are part of the problem or part of the solution. In addition to the clear environmental benefits from doing so, there can also be significant financial savings for businesses bottom line in the form of Accelerated Capital Allowance benefits, zero per cent BIK and vehicle running costs savings."
Significant energy cost savings for the company
According to one Nissan spokesperson, the investment made on-site to install this new system will create savings that will see its cost recouped in six years. Over its operating lifespan is expected to save Nissan Ireland in the region of €600,000 based on current energy costs. In the first ten days of operation is delivered the same carbon reduction effect as 50 trees, and has saved 2,388kg or carbon. In total it is expected to save 1,000,000kg of CO2 over the project's lifetime.
"At Nissan, we are absolutely committed to becoming a more sustainable business and to continuing to reduce our carbon footprint and to helping businesses and householders to follow our lead," said Mr McCarthy.
"Nissan is changing how cars are integrated into society. Nissan Leaf drivers can now use their zero emissions electric cars for much more than just driving. We have made it possible for them to easily connect their cars with energy systems to charge their batteries, to power their homes and businesses or even feed energy back to power grids and earn energy credits," he added.