Net Zero Week: Major Energy Improvements Deliver Significant Carbon Savings

As we celebrate Net Zero Week, we are proud to highlight the significant investments made across our leisure centres to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and support a more sustainable future for our communities.

Over the past year, a range of energy efficiency projects have been delivered across our estate, helping to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining high-quality facilities for our customers.

One of the most impactful improvements has been the installation of a new pool cover at Glass Mill Leisure Centre. By reducing heat loss from the pool, the cover is helping to cut energy consumption and improve efficiency across the site.

We have also invested in new LED floodlighting at Bellingham Leisure & Lifestyle Centre and The Alex Yee Ladywell Arena. These modern lighting systems use significantly less energy than traditional floodlights while continuing to provide excellent visibility for sports and physical activity.

In addition, LED lighting conversions have been completed throughout our leisure centres, replacing older, less efficient lighting with low-energy alternatives. These upgrades are reducing electricity usage and contributing to lower carbon emissions across the portfolio.

At Wavelengths Leisure Centre, a new Building Management System (BMS) has been introduced, providing greater control over heating, ventilation and energy use. The system enables more efficient operation of the building and helps to ensure energy is only used when and where it is needed.

Forest Hill Pools has also benefited from major energy-saving improvements. Works to the centre's Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, alongside a full LED lighting conversion, have resulted in an impressive 86% reduction in energy consumption, demonstrating the transformative impact of targeted investment in sustainable infrastructure.

While these achievements represent an important milestone on our sustainability journey, we remain committed to going further. Future plans include exploring the installation of solar panels at both Forest Hill Pools and Wavelengths Leisure Centre, helping to generate renewable energy on-site and further reduce our carbon footprint.

Together, these initiatives are helping us move closer to our net zero ambitions and create a greener future for the communities we serve.