Assay Office Ramps Up Sustainability With More Solar Panels

Here at Sheffield Assay Office we are taking another significant step towards sustainability by installing an additional 174 solar panels on our building, expanding the renewable energy system first introduced in 2022. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to operating responsibly, reducing our environmental impact, and ensuring sustainability is embedded into every part of our work.

Phase 1 of the project, completed in 2022, saw the installation of 266 x 455w panels, while Phase 2 has now added a further 174 x 450w panels, bringing the total number of panels to 440. The installation was delivered in partnership with local specialists Coops Renewables Ltd, whose team worked with great efficiency to complete the project to a high standard.

So far, our solar panel system has generated a total yield of 302 MWh, which is the equivalent of planting 167 trees and reducing carbon emissions by 299 tonnes of CO₂. By generating renewable energy onsite, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and taking measurable action to tackle climate change, all while continuing to deliver the precision and quality we are known for.

This project builds on other significant energy-saving initiatives, including our transition to 99% LED lighting across the building, further improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

To put these savings into perspective:

• That’s enough clean electricity to power 112 average UK homes for a year*
• Or to drive an electric car more than 900,000 miles*
• Or to keep around 3,800 LED bulbs (9W) glowing non-stop for a whole year*

Ashley Carson, Assay Master & CEO, said:

“At the Sheffield Assay Office, our role is to uphold the highest standards of quality and responsibility in everything we do, from hallmarking precious metals to ensuring consumer trust. Expanding our solar panel system is a natural extension of that commitment, helping us operate more sustainably, reduce our environmental impact, and make a positive difference for our people, our city, and future generations. Thank you and congratulations to the team! It was a first-rate project and I am delighted with the end result.”

As a trusted name in the precious metals industry, we know that every action matters, whether it’s a hallmark on a piece of jewellery or a commitment to a sustainable energy source. This latest solar panel expansion is just one of the steps we are taking to ensure our operations reflect the same high standards we apply to all our work.

Our investment in renewable energy marks another important milestone in our sustainability journey. By combining industry-leading expertise with forward-thinking environmental action, we aim to lead by example, proving that precision, responsibility, and sustainability can go hand in hand.

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*Average UK home electricity use ≈ 2,700 kWh/year → 302,000 ÷ 2,700 ≈ 112 homes.

*EV efficiency 3–4 miles/kWh → 302,000 × (3 to 4) ≈ 0.9–1.2 million miles.

*LED bulb 9W → 302,000 kWh = 302,000,000 Wh ÷ 9W ≈ 33.6 million bulb-hours → ÷ 8,760 h ≈ 3,830 bulb-years.

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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