Turning Sunlight into Sustainability at O.C.O
At O.C.O, sustainability and business performance go hand in hand. As part of our commitment to sustainable construction and renewable energy, we have expanded our solar energy capacity at our Wretham plant in Norfolk—reinforcing our mission to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency across our operations.
Following the construction of a new aggregate shed, we installed a 600 kW solar array, significantly increasing our on-site renewable energy generation. This new system builds on our existing 150 kW solar installation, strengthening our energy infrastructure and supporting our transition toward low-carbon manufacturing.
“This installation enhances our renewable energy capacity at our site operations by expanding our existing solar array, strengthening the site’s overall energy infrastructure, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, and improving utility efficiency,”
Wretham Site Manager, Paul Barber
Our investment in industrial solar energy is already delivering measurable results. At our Leeds and Avonmouth sites, solar panels provide up to 17% of power consumption, contributing to substantial energy cost savings. With the new Wretham installation, we expect to further increase renewable energy usage while reducing operational costs.
The project was delivered in partnership with BeBa Energy UK, specialists in commercial solar installations, ensuring a high-performance system designed for long-term efficiency and sustainability.
By increasing the proportion of clean, self-generated electricity across our sites, we are taking practical steps to reduce reliance on grid energy and lower our environmental impact—demonstrating how renewable energy can support more sustainable manufacturing in the UK construction sector.
O.C.O is at the forefront of sustainable construction innovation. We transform residue from incinerated waste into high-quality, environmentally friendly aggregate, supporting a circular economy in construction materials. Rather than using virgin resources, our process repurposes waste into valuable building materials.
Using our proprietary Accelerated Carbonation Technology, we permanently capture CO₂ within the aggregate, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. This results in a low-carbon, sustainable aggregate that helps construction companies reduce their environmental footprint while meeting sustainability targets.
As demand for green construction solutions grows, O.C.O continues to invest in renewable energy and innovative technologies—helping to shape the future of sustainable construction in the UK.