Faces behind the Gemello® Brand – Michael Hammond
May 15, 2026Turning Usable External Space Into Long-Term Energy Value
By: Guy Chilvers and Jamie Delargy
Published: 26th May 2026
Rising energy costs and growing pressure on sustainability targets are changing the way projects are planned across commercial, industrial and public sector environments.
For building owners, reducing operational costs is now just as important as delivering the building itself. For contractors, that creates an opportunity to offer solutions that go beyond the traditional scope of work.
One area gaining attention is the use of Solar Canopy Structures.
Making Existing Space Work Harder
Car parks and external areas are often overlooked when it comes to energy generation. While they already serve a practical purpose, they can also become a source of renewable power without affecting how the site operates day-to-day.
Solar Canopy Structures allow businesses to generate energy on-site by utilising existing external space more effectively. Rather than requiring additional land, these systems are integrated into areas that are already part of the development.
The result is a practical way to improve energy efficiency while helping reduce long-term reliance on the grid.
Why It Matters
Energy costs continue to be a major consideration for organisations managing large facilities and estates. At the same time, businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainable practices and improve environmental performance.
Solar canopy structures help address both challenges by offering:
- Reduced long-term energy costs
- Improved sustainability performance
- Better use of existing site space
- Additional long-term value from external areas
For sectors with large parking or external storage areas, the potential impact can be significant.
More Than a Standard Solution
For contractors and specifiers, conversations around energy performance are no longer limited to the building envelope alone.
Clients are increasingly looking for solutions that support operational efficiency over the lifetime of a project, not just during construction.
Incorporating solar canopy structures into a proposal can help deliver added value while supporting broader sustainability objectives.
Supporting Smarter Energy Strategies
As the industry continues to evolve, practical renewable solutions are becoming an important part of future project planning.
Using existing external space to generate renewable energy is a simple concept, but one that can deliver measurable long-term benefits for both building owners and contractors alike.
💡 To learn more about Solar Canopy Structures, click here.
✉️ Alternatively get in touch with the team today.
