INDUSTRY VIEWS
MAKING DECARBONISATION OF SWIMMING POOLS MORE AFFORDABLE At Leisure Energy, we’ve spent the last decade helping leisure centres, swimming pools and clubs reduce their energy use and carbon emissions. The drive toward net zero by 2030 has brought more urgency to this work, and for many operators, attention is rightly turning to swimming pools. These are some of the most energy- intensive parts of the leisure estate and often the most challenging to decarbonise. Most of the UK’s 2,900 public and private pools still rely on fossil fuels for heating, and many are over two decades old. Until recently, carbon reduction measures were limited to lower-cost improvements with shorter paybacks such as LED lighting, pool covers, better controls and staff training. These are all valuable steps, but they only get us so far. In recent years, we’ve seen a real shift, particularly thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This funding has allowed public sector organisations to go much further by replacing outdated fossil fuel systems with heat pump technology and other renewable solutions. We’ve supported over £100 million worth of successful applications, helping local authorities and leisure operators across the country make the move away from gas. One of the most progressive examples is Cotgrave Leisure Centre, where we worked with Rushcliffe Borough Council securing a £1.2 million PSDS grant. There, we installed our Net Zero Pod, an external packaged plant room designed specifically for leisure and pool environments. It houses a twin-pack CO₂ air source heat pump system that uses natural refrigerants and delivers a seasonal coefficient of performance (sCOP) above 4. That means the system produces over four times the energy it consumes in electricity. The result is the complete removal of gas boilers and CHP from site, with a projected carbon saving of 73 per cent. Emissions are expected to drop from 315 tonnes to 84 tonnes, saving over £80K per year. We also installed 212 solar panels on the roof as part of the wider scheme, funded by Sport England through the Swimming Pool Support Fund. The 107 kWp system is designed to offset some of the additional electricity demand from the heat pumps and will cut a further 20 tonnes of carbon each year. Cotgrave is one of our examples of what is now possible for the public and private sector. By designing for pools specifically, applying proven technologies and making the most of available funded options, we are showing that decarbonisation and electrification can be affordable. It just needs to be done properly and with a longer term view.
Leading the transition to net zero leisure facilities
Emissions are expected to drop from 315 tonnes to 84 tonnes, saving over £80K per year. MIKE WORSNOP Director, Leisure Energy
Established in 2014, Leisure Energy is an award-winning renewable technology company, energy consultancy and principal contractor, who specialise in identifying and delivering energy and sustainability solution for all leisure facilities. We can provide a range of bespoke solutions to help your facility or club to become more economically and environmentally sustainable; these include: • Energy Assessment & Surveys and Heat Decarbonisation Plans. • Funding applications and support. • Energy Awareness Training & Support – Operational and Strategic. • Full Technical Design and Cost Certainty Contractor Packs. • Project Management with our expert team. • Principal Contractor (CHAS Accredited) and delivery of capital schemes. • Fully funded solutions. • Ongoing support, monitoring and reviewing with maintenance packages. • An innovative and pioneering application of heat pump and green technology through our Net Zero Pod packaged plant room, capable of delivering a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of 4+. Making decarbonisation affordable. Case studies can be viewed and downloaded from our website.
01865 306688 info@leisure-energy.com leisure-energy.com
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
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STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2025
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