Disneyland Paris started building the solar canopy plant last year. The phased development will result in one of the biggest solar canopy plants in Europe.
The solar canopy plant is located in the main visitor parking lot and was developed in collaboration with Urbasolar Group through a co-investment.
It will contribute to reducing Val d’Europe’s local territory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by around 750 tonnes of CO2 annually. It will also provide shelter and shade for visitors.
The first phase is on track to finish this summer, with close to 12,000 panels already installed and covering 1,770 parking spaces. The plant is set for completion in 2023.
12,000 panels installed in Paris
The solar canopy plant will contribute to Disneyland Paris’ continued environmental strategy, which involves significantly reducing GHG emissions and decarbonising the energy supply.
In addition, Disneyland Paris is working on sustainable waste management including reducing plastics, preserving water resources, developing a responsible supply chain, and preserving biodiversity.
Disney Parks Blog has also released an episode of Field Notes detailing biodiversity at Disneyland Paris, which has approximately 4 hectares of green spaces.
Allison Le Flem, biodiversity project manager at Disneyland Paris, explains that the nature and environment department is responsible for preservation and development.
Biodiversity at Disneyland Paris
“This involves several projects, like what we call eco-grazing,” says Le Flem. “We also have something very innovative: pollination. Flowers, plants and other vegetation in nature only function with pollinators.”
“We have a rationed approach to water management, so we are truly hands-on in all aspects of managing the vegetable garden,” added Le Flem.
Disney recently unveiled new solar facilities at Walt Disney World to mark Earth Day. The company has already eliminated single-use plastics at its parks, and introduced plant-based options to all dining locations at its US attractions.
Blooloop is donating to Earth Day’s climate literacy and canopy projects via greenloop, our new conference on sustainability in visitor attractions.
Images: Disney
