Pendle Wavelengths has taken a bold step towards a greener future by commissioning a new 270 kW solar array and installing triple-glazed windows in the pool hall. These moves are set to significantly cut the centre’s energy use and carbon footprint.

The project has been made possible thanks to £342,126 in capital funding from the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, a scheme aimed at helping leisure centres across the country improve their energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

To mark the commissioning, a group of key stakeholders gathered at Pendle Wavelengths on 17th April, including:
• Phillip Spurr, Director of Place, Pendle Borough Council
• Victor Equere, Climate Change Manager
• Simon Gwynne, Chief Executive, Pendle Leisure Trust
• Bruce Corden, Facility Manager, Pendle Borough Council

The improvements aim to reduce the centre’s electricity consumption by 26%, which equates to a saving of 31.5 tonnes of CO₂e each year!

What does 31.5 tonnes of CO₂e look like?

• Driving a petrol car 114,000 miles – that’s around 4.5 times around the world
• Equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 1,300 trees in a year
• Enough to power 4 average UK homes for a year
• Same as 15 one-way flights from London to New York per person
• Equal to burning 12,000 litres of petrol

These upgrades are not only a win for the environment but will also help reduce running costs and support the long-term sustainability of the facility, which serves thousands of residents each year.

Simon Gwynne, Chief Executive said ‘These works will have a significant impact on improving the energy efficiency of the centre as well as reducing our carbon footprint. The SPSF has had a massive impact on leisure centres across the country and this partnership approach between PBC and PLT in then ensuring the works were undertaken and completed both on budget and in time show how partners are working together to make long term substantial improvements for our services’.

Phillip Spurr, Pendle Borough Council’s Director of Place, added: “With the rising cost of running our leisure centres, it’s so important that we do all we can to make them more financially viable and energy efficient. This is a major step forward in our plans to make Pendle carbon neutral by 2030.”

About Pendle Leisure Trust: Pendle Leisure Trust is dedicated to providing high-quality leisure and fitness services to the community. With a focus on promoting physical health, mental well-
being, and social interaction, the Trust operates multiple facilities that offer a variety of programmes and activities designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers and the wider community.