Clean energy on the front line at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre

A project to install 94 solar panels and other low-carbon heating systems is now complete at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) – the UK’s only facility capable of receiving any animal entering the country.

Managed by the City of London Corporation, HARC protects the UK’s biosecurity by carrying out health and welfare checks on all animals entering the UK via Heathrow Airport, from pets and farm livestock to zoo species and exotic consignments.

The centre plays a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases such as rabies while ensuring animals meet strict welfare standards upon entering the country.

The clean energy upgrade also includes a number of low-carbon heat pumps, helping to replace outdated systems and provide more consistent, energy-efficient temperature control across the specialist facility.

The upgrade also reduces the facility’s reliance on the National Grid, strengthening its energy resilience and long-term operational reliability.

The investment forms part of the City Corporation’s own Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to becoming net zero in its own operations by 2027.

The new solar panels will generate clean electricity on site, helping to power low‑carbon heating and hot water systems, energy‑efficient lighting and upgraded ventilation.

Together, these improvements will cut the site's carbon emissions by nearly 56 tonnes a year – equivalent to powering roughly 21 average-sized homes – and save more than £44,500 annually in energy costs.

Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said: “Our Climate Action Strategy is delivering real results right across London. Even in some of our most complex environments, we’ve shown that no site is too challenging – cutting carbon while protecting critical national infrastructure.

“By continuing to invest in HARC, we’re ensuring it is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead at Heathrow, strengthening the long-term resilience and security of this vital national asset.”

Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, Peter Dunphy MBE, added: “HARC is one of the UK’s most critical border facilities, operating at the front line of biosecurity.

“Delivering this upgrade without interrupting our 24/7 operation is a major achievement and underlines our commitment to sustainability alongside resilience.

“It also supports the high standards of care we provide, helping us maintain the controlled environments animals rely on when they arrive in the UK.”

Operating around the clock, HARC relies on stable, carefully controlled conditions to protect animal welfare and support the UK’s biosecurity. The entire upgrade has been delivered without disrupting this essential service.

HARC is the UK’s only Live Animal Border Control Post designated for all species. It enforces UK and international regulations on animal imports and works with airlines to ensure compliance with welfare standards.

Located on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport, the facility is IATA CEIV Live Animals certified and cares for millions of animals annually, including zoo species and high-value consignments. This includes thousands of pets, hundreds of horses, and millions of fish, reptiles and invertebrates every year.