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The UK’s only facility licensed to handle all species of animals at Heathrow Airport has received a clean energy upgrade following the installation of solar panels and heat pumps to reduce its impact on the environment.
A total of 94 solar panels have been installed at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), which on behalf of the City of London Corporation, protects the UK’s biosecurity by carrying out health and welfare checks on all animals entering the UK.
It handles everything from household pets and farm livestock to zoo species and exotic consignments.
The centre plays a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases such as rabies while ensuring animals meet strict welfare standards upon entering the country.
The clean energy upgrade also includes a number of low-carbon heat pumps, helping to replace outdated systems and provide more consistent, energy-efficient temperature control across the specialist facility.
It notes that the renovation reduces the facility’s reliance on the National Grid, strengthening its energy resilience and long-term operational reliability.
The investment forms part of the City Corporation’s own Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to becoming net zero in its own operations by 2027.
The new solar panels will generate clean electricity on site, helping to power low‑carbon heating and hot water systems, energy‑efficient lighting and upgraded ventilation.
Together, these improvements will cut the site’s carbon emissions by nearly 56 tonnes a year – equivalent to powering roughly 21 average-sized homes – and save more than £44,500 annually in energy costs.
Policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said: “By continuing to invest in HARC, we’re ensuring it is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead at Heathrow, strengthening the long-term resilience and security of this vital national asset.”