Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils
Norwich

The ambition

Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils sought to consolidate two aging, inefficient offices into a single, modern workspace that aligned with their environmental and operational goals. Faced with growing pressure to meet carbon reduction targets, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operational costs, the council saw an opportunity to lead by example.

Their ambition was twofold: establish a future-ready, sustainable office space that could accommodate evolving council needs, and simultaneously demonstrate local government leadership in environmental stewardship. The Horizon building offered an ideal location, but only if it could be made fit for purpose and energy smart.

The solution

Originally developed by Aviva as a commercial solar project, the Horizon building featured the UK’s first commercial solar carport, an innovative installation showcasing Aviva’s long-term ESG commitment. At the time of its build, the solar solution had an estimated payback of 11–12 years, but shifting energy markets and post-pandemic office use patterns recalibrated the figures.

When the Councils acquired the building, they acquired an asset: a pioneering renewable energy system designed and delivered by RenEnergy. The solution featured a 788kWp solar carport array, developed as a low-impact, low-embedded carbon alternative to traditional generation infrastructure. The council’s decision to install a heat pump in 2024 further elevated the site’s self-sufficiency.

RenEnergy’s early involvement with Aviva had already set high engineering standards for quality and integration. By the time the councils stepped in, the groundwork was laid for a low-carbon, energy-resilient headquarters. They were able to retire two old offices, consolidate operations, and support additional local government bodies under a single roof, significantly improving operational efficiency and environmental impact.

This project exemplifies how forward-thinking public sector leadership can leverage private-sector sustainability investment to multiply community benefits.

788kWp

Total installed capacity

1,872

Solar panels installed

24

Inverters installed

“This project proves the power of early action. Aviva’s original ESG-led investment paved the way for a smarter public estate. We’re proud to have played a part in delivering a solution that now benefits not just a new client, but an entire community. It’s a perfect example of why the right time to invest in renewables is always now.”

Tom Lloyd, Sales Director, RenEnergy

The impact

Consolidated two inefficient council offices into a single, sustainable HQ
Delivered 594,000kWh of annual clean energy
Improved building self-sufficiency to over 35%, with higher gains in 2024
Achieved 74,250kg of annual CO₂ savings
Future-proofed council infrastructure against rising energy costs
Enabled additional public agencies to share a low-carbon workspace

CO2

Savings per year: 74,250 kg — equivalent to taking 41 petrol cars off the road annually