Carbon Footprint 'Project Zero'

To achieve this we first had to understand and measure all the energy sources at the Centre – we are a busy site with multiple buildings utilising 2 different incoming electricity mains and 3 different sets of LPG gas tanks around the site, not to mention 4 boilers!

With our 2 airhalls (comprising 7 courts), 10 outdoor floodlit courts and 7 floodlit mini courts it was obvious that we were in a “heavy” user category with an annual bill of over £60k. We started the journey with a push to reduce waste and attack any low hanging fruit. Investing in LED lights across the site was identified as an obvious target with the added benefit of much lower ongoing running costs.

We employed external experts to educate us and help plot the journey ahead with energy efficiency initiatives and better understand of the technology available. Between 2014 and 2019 we managed to reduce our footprint by an amazing 28%, rising to 33% by April 2022. Whilst Covid has slowed our progress over the past 2 years, in 2021 we embarked on a further investment in our floodlights to use more LED bulbs – switching our 2000w halogens for 900w LEDs across all 6 outdoor courts. The energy reduction will be 70%. This investment was completed in April 2022. Overall we think a saving of 27% has been achieved on our electricity bill since 2014 (sadly of course this has been more than swallowed up by price increases!)

We want to show off how these projects are benefitting the club and so with that in mind we look to integrate energy and carbon smart metres via a dashboard in  the clubhouse and encourage everyone to show how they are making an impact on the new approach of being carbon neutral.

We also plan by the end of this year to introduce greater renewable infrastructure in the form of heat pumps,solar and battery storage which will deliver the first carbon neutral gym in  the uk!  This is all so that there is no reliance on carbon offsetting.

Our ambitions continue to go further with the vision of creating covered walkways over the paths with solar panelling to utilise the space and maximise its multi purpose use such as ensuring all members remain dry on their approach to the domes.on top of this we also wish to incorporate a panel roof covering for our stand not only does this again maximise space but it also provides a spectator area during the hot weather.

In the longer term we would also look to incorporate an EV charging port when we can achieve a new level of energy capacity and efficiency.

As we continue to embark on this journey without a true end, our aim is to change our culture and way of thinking so that all of these changes promote and lead us as a club into the future and that  these improvements become the norm. Whilst being integrated into our everyday activities and ever growing projects here at Halton.