Cutting carbon at Holgate Depot without missing a beat

We managed the whole project from start to finish. That included feasibility surveys, programme planning, delivery and commissioning. In total, we oversaw the installation of 1,096 solar panels on the depot’s main roof.

These panels now provide about a quarter of the site’s electricity. That adds up to a projected saving of £90,000 a year (based on 2024 prices) and avoids more than 60 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. That’s the same as planting over 3,500 trees.

With trains still being serviced on site, safety and scheduling were key. We phased the work around maintenance windows and used evenings and weekends to keep the programme moving. Daily coordination with the depot team allowed us to flex the plan in real time and avoid any disruption.

We made sure the new solar system worked smoothly with the depot’s existing setup. To speed things up, we built and tested custom switchboards off-site. Space was tight, so we used just-in-time deliveries to bring in materials only when they were needed. That kept everything moving on time.

Working in a busy, live rail environment means safety has to be a top priority. We ran daily briefings and site inductions, kept a live risk register and carried out regular audits. Everyone on site knew what was happening. We also kept stakeholders informed with regular updates and clear executive reports.

We worked closely with Johnson Controls and SME partners like Revolution Energy. We shared knowledge, provided training and involved them early in planning. This helped build their skills and meet all compliance standards. It was a true team effort that helped everyone do their best.

Holgate Depot proves that cutting carbon and maintaining operations can go hand in hand. With the right planning, coordination, and focus on safety, low-carbon upgrades do not just work, they pay off.