Sports centre leading the way towards a net zero future
Key information
Scheme:
Phase 3a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Technologies used:
Air source heat pump, Solar PV, Cavity wall insulation, LED lighting
Region:
East Midlands
Client type:
Local authority
Friday 30 June 2023
Estimated savings
£1.33m
Total grant value
172
Annual carbon savings tCO2e*
Working with Salix
A sports centre in North East Derbyshire is leading the way by embarking on a sustainable journey to become carbon neutral.
Dronfield Sports Centre is set to become one of the first existing facilities in the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 100% thanks to £1.33m of funding received as part of Phase 3a of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The project which is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix, is an ambitious one, and is part of North East Derbyshire Council’s commitment towards a net zero future.
The sports centre will see the old gas-powered boilers replaced by energy efficient air source heat pumps as well as the installation of solar panels, resulting in an offset of 25% of the centre’s energy.
In addition to this, cavity wall insulation has also been installed around the building, as has energy efficient LED lighting, resulting in a 100% decrease in carbon emissions. Upon completion of the works, Dronfield Sports Centre is expected to reduce its annual carbon emissions by more than 172 tonnes, becoming carbon neutral in the process.
North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “This is a real statement project that I hope makes headlines across the UK to empower other leisure centres to follow suit in decarbonising their centres.
“Climate Change and saving money and energy are the core values for our residents and us as an authority and this project will see us making incredible efforts to ensure the safe and green future of the facility for our residents for the long-term future.
“The carbon reductions are fantastic, and this is just one of our ongoing projects where we have already reduced carbon emissions at Eckington Pool by 66%.
“We are passionate about our environment and a green future, and this project delivers – on a national scale.”
We are delighted to be working with North East Derbyshire District Council on this exciting scheme. It’s very encouraging to see what a positive impact this will make on the leisure centre and everyone who uses it.
As someone who is from the area and grew up using the centre, it is great to see the tangible changes now being made in response to the climate emergency. It will be transformational for the area and make a real difference to the users, we cannot wait to see the council achieve its carbon savings
July 2023
*tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, calculated using Green Book emissions factors for electricity published by the government.
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