Xenia, a leading student accommodation provider, partnered with Smart Choice Advisory and Smart Choice Renewables to support its journey towards sustainability while also protecting its bottom line. Through expert advice, a robust solar installation strategy and a tailored funding solution, Xenia has successfully reduced its carbon footprint and energy costs without the need for upfront capital investment.
Understanding Xenia’s Sustainability Goals
Smart Choice Advisory began the process with a detailed ESOS report for the business. The focus was to explore ways to reduce their emissions and energy spend, in line with Xenia’s commitment to sustainability and in response to changing environmental regulations. The study evaluated not only the reduction of carbon emissions, but the potential for solar power across multiple sites across the UK.
Following the feasibility analysis, Xenia and Smart Choice Renewables agreed that a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) would offer the best route forward. This model allows Xenia to benefit from on-site renewable energy without using its own capital, preserving funds for core business growth. Under the PPA, Smart Choice Renewables financed, installed and now maintains the solar infrastructure. Xenia simply pays for the energy it uses at a lower, fixed rate, locking in savings and avoiding energy price volatility.
To maximise the value of the solar energy generated, Xenia also moved its residual energy supply to Ruby Energy, a sister company of Smart Choice Renewables. This means any excess demand can be met with additional green energy from Ruby, while surplus solar energy generated on-site can be sold back through the same provider, creating a seamless energy ecosystem focused on sustainability.
Handling Planning, Compliance and Installation
Navigating planning and regulatory requirements was a key part of the project. After the initial feasibility study, Smart Choice Renewables supported Xenia through the lease review process and led the planning permission and G99 grid connection application. Given Xenia’s insurance requirements, Smart Choice Renewables also ensured full compliance with FM Global standards by specifying approved, low-risk products, a crucial factor in the insurance process.
Xenia’s Manchester site, a 50-metre-tall high-rise student accommodation block near the city centre, posed unique logistical challenges. To deliver and install the solar panels safely, Smart Choice Renewables coordinated a partial road closure with the local council and scheduled a precision crane lift.
The operation was carefully timed to minimise disruption, with the crane arriving at 4:30am and the equipment courier shortly after at 5:00am. All materials were successfully lifted onto the roof within the hour, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation in a complex urban setting.
The impact in a nutshell
The project highlights the flexibility of funding options available to commercial building owners looking to adopt solar. While capital expenditure and asset finance are also available, the PPA model has proven to be particularly effective. It removes the upfront cost barrier and enables businesses to realise ESG and financial returns from day one.
For Xenia, the benefits have been immediate. The organisation now benefits from cleaner, cheaper electricity, improved ESG performance, and a futureproofed energy supply. This case demonstrates how solar can be a reliable and low-maintenance solution even in the UK climate. Unlike wind, which depends on weather conditions, solar energy is generated from UV light, which is present even on overcast days.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“Working with Smart Choice Advisory and Renewables has been a genuinely great experience. Right from the first conversation, they really took the time to understand what we were trying to achieve and what sustainability looks like for a business like ours. It’s not often you find a partner who truly gets both the financial pressures and sustainability goals of HMO operators. We’re genuinely proud to be working with them.” – Paul Wright, Non-Executive Director
Ready to cut energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint?
Discover how solar can work for your business with expert guidance and installation from Smart Choice Renewables. Contact Commercial Director Mark Powell at Mark.Powell@smartchoicerenewables.co.uk to start your journey.