Major Energy Efficiency Project Completed at Hyndburn Leisure Centre
Major Energy Efficiency Project Completed at Hyndburn Leisure Centre
Hyndburn Borough Council is pleased to confirm the completion of significant energy efficiency upgrades at Hyndburn Leisure Centre, following the successful delivery of works funded through Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) and additional Council investment.
The improvements, including the installation of new variable speed fans and a metering and monitoring system, mean that Hyndburn Leisure Centre can now actively track and manage real-time energy usage across the site. This allows for greater control, improved performance, and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
The energy efficiency measures now in place will enable Hyndburn Leisure to better manage energy consumption, which alongside regularly reviewing energy supply contracts, will support the long-term sustainability and affordability of the centre for residents and users.
Image: Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council and Councillor Scott Brerton, Portfolio Holder for Business, Growth and Sustainability at Hyndburn Leisure Centre
Cllr Scott Brerton, Portfolio Holder for Business, Growth and Sustainability, said:
“This work is another clear step towards delivering on our net zero carbon commitments. We are already seeing the benefits, not only in terms of reducing energy consumption, but also in ensuring that we use resources as efficiently as possible.
In a time of high energy costs, this investment is not just good for the environment but it’s financially responsible too. This project is an excellent example of how practical sustainability works for the benefit of our environment, our community, and our local services.”
Hyndburn Leisure Centre has previously been identified as the Council’s highest emitter of CO2 due to a defunct fossil-fuelled plant. Since then, the Council has significantly reduced the CO2 emissions by 70%, which on an annual basis is around 390 tonnes. This was achieved when the Council received £1,988,324 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding to remove the gas supply and deliver a new electric powered sub-station, air source heat pumps, solar panels, a battery store and new heating controls.
The most recent round of upgrades was made possible thanks to a £241,447 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, which aims to help swimming pools and leisure centres become more energy efficient and financially sustainable. The Council also approved additional capital investment to deliver further energy-saving works, including LED lighting replacements and enhancements to the external lighting across the site.
Sport England Executive Director for Place Lisa Dodd-Mayne said:
“Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival recently, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting Hyndburn Leisure Centre and many other pools during this difficult period. We hope the funding will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
Councillor Melissa Fisher, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
“I’d like to thank Sport England for their support and Hyndburn Leisure for their commitment to managing the centre in a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible way.”
This project forms part of the Council’s broader ambition to reach net zero across all operations by 2030. For more information on Hyndburn Council’s sustainability initiatives, head to: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/climate-change/.