Guide Dogs Charity Leads with Clean Energy

Leading by Example: Securing the Future of Guide Dogs with Renewable Energy

Just outside Leamington Spa, a group of buildings tells the story of a guide dog’s journey better than most. This is where the world’s largest assistance dog organisation and one of Britain’s most beloved charities begins the life-changing work of training guide dogs. At this dedicated site, the Guide Dogs charity welcomes and cares for breeding dogs, expectant mums, and their new pups. With purpose-built training grounds and a large veterinary service for ongoing care, the centre changes lives every day.

Since opening nearly 15 years ago, the National Breeding Centre has cared for more than 10,000 dogs, each one destined to provide independence and support for someone living with sight loss. Guide dogs offer people with sight loss the confidence to get out and about safely. Whether it’s getting to work, attending a regular exercise class, or simply popping to the shops, these dogs provide life-changing, practical support every single day.

What is rarely seen behind the fundraising activities and public support is the level of proactive thinking and care that goes into ensuring this facility – and all Guide Dogs facilities in the UK – are committed to working in a sustainable way, for its people and the planet. And, of course, how the charity can mitigate the impact of fluctuating energy costs on the work they do and their future.

“We want to see Guide Dogs doing what they do for a hundred years and more into the future – energy security and reducing our emissions will be a big part of that. The organisation has a sustainability strategy focused on ESG, carbon reduction and net zero and it has made a 40 per cent carbon reduction in four years, putting it two years ahead of its own targets. Sustainability objectives feed into all areas of Guide Dogs; from recognising the impact climate change and global warming have on the charity, to our growing fleet of EV vans for dog transportation and developing our buildings. Our newly completed site in Redbridge (the charity’s’ centre for training more than 400 puppies) has been built to BREEAM specifications and is our first net zero building.”

Hannah Magee – Sustainability and Energy Manager, Guide Dogs

As a participant of the Governments ESOS scheme (Energy Savings Opportunities), the charity conducted energy audits which identified energy savings and low carbon technology they could install to reduce costs and improve the longevity of the site.

“We robustly look at the data and can track energy management to locate high energy usage and identify potential savings. It was the results of this work that led to the solar initiative at our breeding centre. We are aiming for 30 per cent self-sufficiency of onsite energy use. Working with SolarSense, we were able to look carefully at the solar that was appropriate for this site – what we could utilise, what can be exported back to the grid, and the investment needed to maximise the environmental benefit. SolarSense managed the installation really well and were mindful of the dogs we care for. They managed noise levels and navigated around things like birthing mums, ensuring they weren’t disturbed. They staggered the work around the six areas of the site, taking into account the dogs’ needs and ours.”

Matt Burrows – Sustainability Coordinator, Guide Dogs

 

The newly installed solar PV system which is comprised of 595 solar panels is estimated to generate 226,678kWh of clean energy each year; reducing the carbon footprint of the National Breeding Centre by 52,565kg per annum. The charity is now exploring additional solar capacity and the integration of EV charging infrastructure to further enhance on-site sustainability.

“We’re proud to have supported Guide Dogs in advancing their sustainability journey with a tailored solar solution that respects the unique needs of their site and the dogs they care for. This project reflects our core values – delivering renewable energy with sensitivity, innovation and integrity. By helping organisations like Guide Dogs become more energy independent, we’re contributing to a cleaner, more secure future for all.”

Chris Ashfield – Sales Director, SolarSense

Unlock the Value of Your ESOS Audit

If your organisation has completed ESOS and identified opportunities for solar PV, battery storage or wider energy optimisation, now is the moment to act. ESOS is more than a compliance requirement – it provides a clear pathway to long-term financial savings, carbon reduction and greater control over your energy future.

As one of the UK’s longest-established renewable energy specialists, SolarSense combines deep technical expertise with practical delivery, helping you convert ESOS audit recommendations into effective, future-proof energy solutions. From feasibility analysis and system design to installation, performance optimisation and ongoing support – we deliver proven results that reduce costs, protect against energy price volatility and enhance ESG performance.

Turn ESOS compliance into long-term value:

• Unlock measurable carbon and cost savings with solar PV, battery storage and EV charging

• Strengthen energy resilience, reduce reliance on the grid and protect against future price increases

• Develop board-ready proposals and financial business cases to support ESOS Action Plan implementation

• Provide verified performance data for SECR, ESG and sustainability reporting

• Align your energy strategy with net-zero commitments and long-term carbon reduction targets.