St Martin marks parish first with solar installation

A Guernsey public toilet block is set to run on renewable technology as part of the island's commitment to reaching net zero targets.

St Martin's Parish Hall and its adjoining outside toilet block have had solar panels installed as part of a push to move away from using electricity from the grid, officials said.

The installation formed part of ongoing refurbishment projects across the parish and was the first of its kind on the island, they added.

St Martin constables said the change would also work towards "reducing rates" for taxpayers.

In a joint statement, they said: "We felt it was our responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and this is a great day for St Martin to be the first parish to commit to solar power and to do our little bit for the environment."

It comes as works are ongoing to refurbish the hall, meeting room, library and offices.

The constables said they hoped the latest upgrade would make the parish "more sustainable and reduce maintenance costs".

In 2020, the States of Guernsey set a target of a 57% reduction on 1990 emission levels by 2030 and agreed a 30-year energy strategy to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.