Yarborough Leisure Centre is taking a major step towards sustainability with the installation of a 120.7kWp photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system.
Yarborough Leisure Centre, managed by Active Nation in partnership with and on behalf of City of Lincoln Council, is taking a major step towards sustainability with the installation of a 120.7kWp photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system.
This green energy initiative, funded by Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase Two, aims to improve the facility's energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with the UK government’s Net Zero by 2050 objective.
The project, with a contract value of approximately £350,000, includes two significant upgrades: installing the solar panel array on the leisure centre’s roof and improvements to the Air Handling Unit within the centre.
The new PV panel system comprises 284 high-performance panels capable of generating approximately 89,258 kWh annually.
This green energy will replace traditional non-renewable sources, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of 20,979kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition to its environmental impact, the system is set to deliver substantial financial benefits, saving the centre almost £17,000 annually on energy costs. The savings will support the centre's efforts to remain a vital community resource.
The project is part of a nationwide effort funded through Sport England’s £60 million Swimming Pool Support Fund, which supports local authorities across England in improving the energy efficiency of facilities with public swimming pools.
This investment will help ensure that millions of people can continue to use these facilities, helping Sport England to meet its goal of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.
Yarborough Leisure Centre was selected due to its suitability for green energy enhancements, and this funding has made it possible to take a significant step toward a more sustainable future.
This project is a testament to Yarborough Leisure Centre's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing community facilities. By using renewable energy, the centre is setting an example for similar facilities across the country to adopt more sustainable practices.
Cllr Bob Bushell at City of Lincoln Council said:
"These works are a fantastic example of how investment in green technology can make a real difference.
“Not only will they reduce the centre’s environmental impact, but they will also help cut energy costs, ensuring the leisure centre can continue to offer high-quality services at an affordable rate for our residents.”
Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council Leader and Executive Member for Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change, said:
“This is an exciting milestone for Yarborough Leisure Centre and the wider community. The new solar panels will significantly reduce the centre’s carbon emissions and energy costs, making it more sustainable and future-proof.
“It’s a win-win for the environment and for the people who rely on the centre’s services.”
For more information about the Swimming Pool Support Fund and other sustainability initiatives, visit Sport England's website at https://www.sportengland.org/.