Leisure centre leading light in green energy battle

It has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions thanks to decarbonisation project making it operator Parkwood Leisure's first zero fuel site.
The centre has reduced carbon emissions by 318 tonnes per year, the equivalent weight to a Boeing 747-400 commercial aircraft.
The 18-month project was carried out in partnership with Torbay Council, Parkwood Leisure, and energy consultancy Leisure Energy.
With almost £2 million funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project is part of the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. Following an appraisal of the centre’s energy usage and infrastructure, a series of energy saving measures were implemented.
A year on and the centre has saved 318 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to 60 per cent of its annual carbon emissions with a 10 per cent reduction in annual gas consumption.
Central to this was the replacement of the centre’s existing gas boiler system with an air source heat pump. To reduce the running costs of the new system, secondary technologies were also installed to generate renewable electricity and improve the efficiency of other plant operations. These included solar panels, ventilation and pipework upgrades, as well as a new building energy management system. LED lighting was additionally installed, providing a further energy efficient function.
All work was completed while the leisure centre remained open and operational throughout.
The project was awarded the ‘Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year’ award at last year’s Energy Awards, an event that celebrates achievements and showcases innovations from across the energy industry.
Glen Hall, managing director of Parkwood Leisure, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of this project and the partnership with Torbay Council and Leisure Energy. This is just one of many energy initiatives we’re supporting our centres with, as part of our commitment to drive sustainability across our estate whilst continuing to deliver quality services within our communities.
"This project set out to reduce the centre’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent and it is fantastic that has been achieved within the first 12-months. With ever increasing energy costs, investments into innovative efficiency projects such as these can show what can be achieved quickly in terms of making a tangible difference to both running costs and the environment.”
Parkwood Leisure has worked in partnership with the council since 2004, and operates the Torbay Leisure Centre and the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.