Appleby Leisure Centre Boosts Green Energy Drive with New Solar Panel Installation
Appleby Leisure Centre has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability after the installation of 190 solar panels on its roof as part of a major energy-efficiency upgrade.
The project follows the installation of triple-glazed windows last autumn and has been supported through funding from Sport England and Westmorland and Furness Council. The improvements are designed to lower operating costs and reduce the centre’s carbon footprint.
In addition, a £388,000 investment from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has funded the first phase of boiler replacement works at the facility. The upgrades form part of a broader £1.75 million decarbonisation programme delivered by Salix on behalf of the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The scheme includes replacing gas boilers with air-source heat pumps across several council-owned buildings. Westmorland and Furness Council aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across the area by 2037, with the authority contributing at least 12% of project costs through its capital maintenance budget.
Officials estimate that the completed projects will save around 343 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually, helping to significantly reduce environmental impact.
The leisure centre has recently reopened after essential preparatory work, including the removal of an air handling unit and preparations for the installation of a new air-source heat pump. Additional insulation has also been added to pipework within the plant room to improve energy efficiency.
A short closure may still be required at a later date to complete the final connection of the heat pump, pending confirmation from electricity suppliers.
Council representatives said the investment demonstrates how energy-efficient improvements can help keep community facilities affordable to operate while supporting long-term climate goals. They added that the combination of solar power, improved insulation and modern heating systems will help secure the leisure centre’s future while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
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