Decarbonisation works to boost energy efficiency at two of Newcastle’s cherished community swimming pools has reached a significant milestone.
Equans, working with AR Power has successfully installed 159 solar panels at Jesmond Pool to enable the facility to generate renewable energy on-site and a new pool cover has also been installed, helping to reduce heat loss and lower energy demands. It is expected that these measures will reduce the community leisure centre’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 13,793kg and significantly reduce its running costs.
The improvements at Jesmond Pool are funded through the Sport England Swimming Pool Fund, and form part of Newcastle City Council’s wider programme of works to decarbonise its estate to create a greener, more sustainable city.
Cllr Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Climate and Transport, said: “I’m delighted that these works have been completed to help futureproof this vital community facility.
“These works safeguard a much-loved and well-used community swimming pool while reducing its impact on the environment as well as the pool’s operating costs.
“It’s fantastic to see decarbonisation in action as we continue our push to create a greener and more sustainable Newcastle for our communities.”
Darren Sterling, Regional Director at Equans UK & Ireland commented: "We are proud to have successfully completed these important decarbonisation works at Jesmond Pool and are pleased that the centre is now equipped to reduce its energy consumption whilst continuing to provide a great community facility. In the coming months, we will continue to work hard to bring state-of-the-art solutions to more of the region’s public buildings and contribute towards Newcastle’s net zero ambitions.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England added: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Sport England is proud of the role we play in supporting these facilities. The investment from the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund at Jesmond Pool will help improve energy efficiency and enable the centre to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so it remains available for future generations to enjoy.”
Works have now also started at Elswick Pool, which will see the venue benefit from a new low-carbon heating system, solar panels, upgraded air handling units, and energy-efficient windows.
Picture: (L-R) Darren Sterling - Regional Director, Robert Charlton - Commercial Manager, Paul Barrowcliffe - Director of Operations, Laura Martin - Head of Partnerships, Cllr Karen Kilgour – Leader of Newcastle City Council, Keri Philliskirk - Assistant Site Manager, Cllr Juna Sathian – Newcastle City Council cabinet member Climate and Transport, Aiden Graham - Site Manager, Cllr Alex Hay – Deputy Leader Newcastle City Council