New solar panels generating more than 360,000kWh of clean energy and saving 75 tonnes of carbon a year have been installed at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.
The panels cover 1,875m2 of the leisure centre’s roof and in summer will convert enough daylight/sunlight into electrical energy to power the entire 7,000m2 site.
This includes electricity for the swimming pool, all the exercise machines, pumps and lighting for the centre, without needing any power from the grid.
The £390,000 investment is shared between Circadian Trust, the charity that runs the centres, and South Gloucestershire Council, which owns the site.
The programme plays a key part in Circadian Trust’s commitment to become carbon neutral.
Ian Jones, director of building and environment at Circadian Trust, said:
“These PVs are a game changer. They’ve been live at Bradley Stoke since January this year and, with the lighter days, we are already seeing a huge difference, with up to £5k a month in energy savings.”
“Since 2005, we have had a continuous improvement programme to reduce our carbon footprint. Various initiatives such as LED lighting, new swimming pool covers, and building management systems (BMSs) have made a big difference to both our energy consumption and costs.”
“We believe that for us to help our community stay truly healthy, we must also ensure the buildings are in the very best of fitness too. This means reducing waste and pollution and ensuring we can re-invest to keep the facilities in tip top condition.”
South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) Cabinet member responsible for the climate and nature emergency, Cllr Louise Harris, said:
“We’re really pleased to work with Circadian on this project and see the solar panel installation at Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre completed, which will boost local renewable energy generation.”
“As well as carrying out projects our own buildings and land, the council’s aim is to help residents and businesses to play their part in lowering carbon emissions for the benefit of the area.”
“We’ve been supporting hundreds of residents to generate renewable energy at home through the group-buying solar panel scheme Solar Together, which along with initiatives such as this, will help put South Gloucestershire in the best possible position to face future challenges together.”
The photovoltaic system, or PV for short, has been designed, installed, and will be maintained by one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy companies and solar panel specialists, Ineco Energy.
Experts in their field, Ineco Energy guides businesses in their clean energy transition, providing the best energy technology that prioritises self-sufficiency, economic responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
Ineco Energy was appointed after a competitive tender process and worked with the Circadian and SGC teams from the early concept and design stages to ensure all aspects of the PV system delivered the optimum benefits for the centre.
The programme was delivered on budget and on time.
Ineco Energy director Adam Peat said:
“Circadian and South Gloucestershire Council’s commitment to invest in PV across their leisure portfolio demonstrates their serious approach to healthy people, buildings and communities while also supporting their wider 2030 carbon neutral ambitions.”
“We have been delighted to be part of this partnership approach to deliver carbon reduction through clean energy and the reinvestment of the financial savings back into the local community.”
“Circadian is showing how PV can really help to make a difference to the leisure industry across the UK in their drive to enhance customer experience, deliver a more sustainable operation and reduce their operating costs.”
Next, Circadian Trust is investing in a photovoltaic (PV) system at Yate Leisure Centre. Ineco Energy will continue to lead the project, rolling out clean energy systems across two more sites by September 2024.
Circadian Trust has a new environmental strategy engaging staff and technology to improve its carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Circadian Trust has also maintained its ISO 14001 Energy and Environmental Management accreditation since 2014.
