Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Schroders’ Horsham campus now hosts a 1.13 MWh solar farm, covering roughly 25% of its electricity needs.
- Collaboration between Schroders, Benchmark Capital and Horsham District Council is driving local green innovation.
- 58 EV charging stations and new biodiversity zones signal a holistic approach to sustainability.
- Corporate targets include sourcing 100% renewable power by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Horsham’s economy is benefitting through new green jobs, investment and heightened global visibility.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Horsham Campus
The Schroders campus in Horsham has emerged as a powerhouse within the global financial landscape, employing more than 700 professionals from both Schroders and its financial-planning affiliate, Benchmark Capital. The modern facility underscores Horsham’s growing relevance on the international stage while acting as a magnet for business growth and skilled talent.
- Major operations hub for a FTSE 100 firm
- Home to 700+ employees across asset management and fintech
- Catalyst for local job creation and supplier opportunities
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability sits at the heart of Schroders’ Horsham strategy, blending bold renewable projects with employee-led eco-programmes.
Solar Farm
- 2,606 panels generating ~1.13 MWh annually
- Supplies roughly 25% of campus electricity
- Unveiled by Dame Elizabeth Corley, spotlighting corporate climate leadership
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
- 58 charging stations encourage 600+ staff to switch to EVs or hybrids
Biodiversity Enhancement
- Creation of meadows and native planting to nurture local wildlife
“The Horsham solar farm is a shining example of how finance and climate action can go hand in hand.” — Ed Dymott, CEO, Benchmark Capital
Corporate Climate Targets
Schroders’ global goals, validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative, extend the campus vision across every office and investment portfolio:
- Achieve 100% renewable electricity worldwide by 2025 (currently 98%)
- Cut Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 46% by 2030
- Reach net-zero across operations and investments by 2050
Collaboration with Benchmark Capital
Benchmark Capital’s presence on campus amplifies Schroders’ green ambitions. The fintech arm provides digital platforms and financial-planning expertise that help align investments with sustainability outcomes, while also co-funding eco-projects such as the solar installation.
In the words of Benchmark’s leadership, “Financial innovation must power environmental innovation.”
Impact on the Local Community
From charity partnerships to public workshops, Schroders is weaving sustainability into Horsham life:
- Joint projects with local non-profit Horsham Matters
- Educational tours of the solar farm for schools and residents
- Community grants targeting green start-ups and conservation groups
Renewable Energy & Economic Growth
Sustainable infrastructure is unlocking fresh economic prospects in Horsham:
- Dozens of construction and maintenance roles tied directly to the solar farm and EV network
- Local suppliers tapped for everything from panel cleaning to habitat surveys
- Growing reputation as a green-business hub attracts new investment to the district
Future Outlook
Upcoming plans include expanding solar capacity, installing battery storage and rolling out AI-powered energy-efficiency systems across the campus. These initiatives aim to create a blueprint other corporate campuses can replicate, ensuring Horsham remains at the forefront of the UK’s sustainable-growth story.
Conclusion
By marrying economic ambition with environmental stewardship, Schroders and Benchmark Capital demonstrate that corporate success can—and should—lift local communities. Horsham’s evolving skyline of solar arrays and EV chargers is more than a visual statement; it is a testament to a town embracing a greener, more prosperous future.
FAQs
How much energy does the solar farm produce each year?
Roughly 1.13 MWh annually—enough to power around 300 UK homes for a year.
Will the public be able to use the EV charging stations?
Yes, a portion of the 58 chargers will be made available to residents during evenings and weekends, according to Horsham District Council.
What is Schroders’ timeline for reaching net-zero?
The company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions across operations and investments by 2050, with interim milestones set for 2030 and 2025.
How can local businesses get involved in campus sustainability projects?
Schroders hosts quarterly supplier briefings and offers grant programmes for eco-innovations. Interested firms can register via the council’s sustainability portal.
Are there plans to expand renewable energy beyond solar?
Yes, feasibility studies are underway for onsite battery storage and potential geothermal heating solutions to further decarbonise the campus.