London’s Southbank Centre has installed a rooftop solar array on its Festival Terrace building, overcoming significant heritage and planning constraints to deliver renewable energy as part of its net zero ambitions. 

The building forms part of a protected Brutalist estate in a highly visible cultural setting alongside the Thames. This introduced significant complexity to the project. The solution was delivered by Commercial, a leader in sustainable business transformation. Planning requirements included positioning the array’s 100 photovoltaic (PV) panels in a way that does not disrupt the clean roofline or alter key public views across the South Bank.  

Generating up to 50kWp (kilowatt peak) of renewable energy, the array will offset nearly 5% of Southbank Centre’s annual electricity use. The system is forecast to produce around 50,000kWh (kilowatt hours) annually. This will save around 11 tonnes of CO₂e in the first year alone, equivalent to planting over 22,000 trees in its lifetime. 

A one of a kind project

This solar installation represents a unique blend of sustainability and heritage. It forms part of Southbank Centre’s wider sustainability roadmap, aligning with UK energy reduction legislation and the organisation’s environmental goals. Planning permission is now underway for a second phase. This will involve a rooftop installation on the Grade I listed Royal Festival Hall.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability,” said Warren Forsyth, Estates Director at Southbank Centre.

“Working with Commercial allows us to take practical steps that make a measurable difference. We are reducing our carbon footprint while inspiring others across the cultural community.”

The solar array will be supported by the SolisCloud monitoring platform. The system will give Southbank Centre’s facilities and sustainability teams real-time insights into energy generation and system performance.

Long-term reductions

Beyond immediate savings, the system is expected to reduce energy costs by more than £500,000 over 25 years. The expected payback period is just over four years. Commercial’s solution includes a full managed service. This includes everything from structural surveys and grid connection approvals to post-installation support.

“Southbank Centre is a cultural icon and we’re proud to help it take a visible and measurable step towards a sustainable future,” said Simone Hindmarch, Co-founder and Managing Director at Commercial.

“This project not only reduces emissions but demonstrates how the arts sector can embrace renewable technology without compromising operations or visitor experience.”

For Commercial, the project adds to a growing portfolio of renewable initiatives across the UK. This underscores our position as a carbon-neutral organisation with over 16 years of sustainability leadership.