Green energy supplier Ecotricity has won a contract to supply 100 per cent renewable energy to Merlin Entertainments.
The deal will cover all the group’s UK sites, including its flagship resort theme parks – Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventure and Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor Resort, The Coca-Cola London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Centres.
As well as supplying electricity, Ecotricity will support Merlin’s sustainability and procurement specialists as they investigate building their own green energy generation and storage assets at several of its locations.
Ecotricity said it is also exploring with Merlin further opportunities to promote green energy and raise awareness of the benefits of pursuing sustainable lifestyles.
Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: “We’re proud to be working with Merlin Entertainments in the UK. It’s a critical time for businesses to make a switch to renewable power. The UN says we have just 12 years to save the planet to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Energy from fossil fuels are the biggest cause of climate change, so green energy is the simple answer and a fantastic place to start on the journey towards sustainability.
“As owner and operator of many of the country’s biggest attractions, we’re excited about the possibility of working together with Merlin to raise awareness of a Greener Britain.”
Merlin group procurement director John Butcher said: “Going green needn’t cost the earth. Working with Ecotricity we are showing we can save money and reduce our impact on the planet by buying our electricity from renewable sources.
“This is a significant step forward in making our business more sustainable, while we look further forward and assess the viability of increasing the amount of power we generate ourselves, helping reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs further.”
Ecotricity recently partnered with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to encourage the food service industry to “make smart decisions” about how it powers its businesses.
It also partnered with the Notting Hill Carnival over the August Bank Holiday weekend in a bid to endorse its message of sustainability.