Our Centres Solar project was funded by Sport England & installed by local Rugby solar company M E Solar Ltd. The project involved the installation of 378 solar panels and is anticipated to save over £1million in energy costs over the systems lifetime. In the first 12 months since being completed the system has generated over 150Mwh of electricity (equivalent to approximately 55 Households annual electricity consumption), and reduced the Leisure Centres CO2 by 29 Tonnes

The owner of M E Solar Rob Melbourne said “It was a fantastic opportunity as a local company, to deliver a project of this scale to another local business which, like many across the country, faces the difficult challenge of increasing energy costs. With the support from Rugby Council & the amazing Staff from the Leisure Centre we were able to deliver a fantastic system that will help reduce these costs and benefit the environment”.

Our Centres Facilities Manager Paulo Gomes said “We`re thrilled to receive this award, which recognises not only the investment in our facilities but also our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. This project demonstrates how leisure centres can lead the way in creating greener, more efficient community spaces. This award highlights the collective effort of our teams and partners to bring sustainable innovation into the heart of public recreation. It is rewarding to see the impact the system is already having, both for the environment and for operational efficiency.

Rugby Borough Cllr Maggie O'Rourke said: “The success of the installation aligns with GLL and Rugby Borough Council’s broader sustainability goals, which include investing in renewable technologies, enhancing energy resilience, and reducing carbon emissions across the estate.”

Energy Efficiency Awards chairman Gary Braybrooke said: “The organisations and individuals recognised through these awards are operating in a period of real uncertainty in the sector. Despite that, they continue to deliver, to innovate and to hold standards high. That matters. The Energy Efficiency Awards are about recognising leadership where it counts - in practical delivery, collaboration and professionalism.

The winners are not just responding to policy ambition; they are creating real outcomes for homes, communities and businesses across the UK. These projects and people show that working together - across supply chains, local authorities and communities - remains the most powerful way to deliver meaningful, lasting change.”