{"id":163814,"date":"2020-11-12T11:02:12","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T11:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lightsourcebp.com\/news\/can-solar-benefit-ecosystems\/"},"modified":"2023-07-25T04:06:58","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T04:06:58","slug":"can-solar-benefit-ecosystems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/ie\/news\/can-solar-benefit-ecosystems\/","title":{"rendered":"Can solar benefit ecosystems?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Can solar benefit ecosystems?<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Is there a real opportunity for solar and ecosystems?<\/h4>\n

As a renewable energy company, building and operating solar projects is one way in which we\u2019re fighting climate change and its effects.<\/p>\n

However, we don\u2019t just see ourselves as solar developers. We\u2019re not just making solar energy, we\u2019re also responsible for the land under our panels, and as ground mounted solar is typically in place\u00a0for over 20 years,\u00a0we see this as an opportunity to go the extra mile and try to\u00a0improve the local ecosystems where our projects are sited.<\/p>\n

At Lightsource bp, careful consideration is given to the way in which our solar projects\u00a0are constructed. Environmental impact assessments play a key part in ensuring our projects integrate harmoniously into their surroundings and make a difference.<\/p>\n

Can solar farms really make a difference?<\/h4>\n

The short answer is \u2013 yes! The longer answer is that there have been a number of studies undertaken across the world, comparing solar land with similar quality undeveloped land nearby, monitoring the number of species present on each site. These studies have all shown that higher numbers of creatures are present on solar land, indicating that solar farms do in fact have a positive impact on local biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Boosting biodiversity, saving bees<\/h4>\n

At Lightsource bp, one of our core values is sustainability \u2013 as a renewable energy company, we want to ensure that our installations have a positive effect on the local environment. A large part of that for us is generating solar electricity and reducing carbon emissions, but we\u2019re also dedicated to improving sustainability globally in other ways.<\/p>\n

We want to be part of the solution, and as solar land is protected from development for 30+ years, we\u2019re in a strong position to boost biodiversity and protect pollinators. Wherever possible, we plant our sites with species-rich seed mixes to create habitats for pollinators as well as local flora and fauna.<\/p>\n

For all our global sites, we work with local environmental and ecological experts to undertake detailed field surveys in order to identify ways in which we benefit the ecosystem.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve pioneered this approach in our UK sites, and are now rolling out our bee programme across the globe, replicating our success across our international projects in Europe, the USA, Brazil and Australia, where appropriate.. Since starting the programme in 2015, we have\u2026<\/p>\n