
Darlaston Swim and Fitness Center is equipped with energy saving measures including an environmentally friendly heating system.
Low-energy LED lighting was also installed throughout the building; Rooftop solar panels generate electricity to power heat pumps and assist with the entertainment center’s electrical needs.
The new measures follow the award of £2.6 million of funding to Walsall Council as part of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Plan.
Councilor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council’s deputy leader for regeneration and portfolio holder, said: “This investment in Darlaston is excellent news and these energy saving improvements and new technologies will help us preserve this local leisure facility for many years to come.
“The outcome of the investment means that the municipality will reduce its carbon footprint by 420 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and will also save on energy costs in the centre.
“This is the equivalent of taking more than 200 cars off the road each year, making it the greenest leisure facility in the county.”
Councilor Gary Flint, who has responsibility for health, leisure and public spaces at the local government, added that he was “delighted” to see the changes made to the fitness centre.
He said: “We are committed to creating a greener and healthier borough for the community and playing our part in tackling climate change.
“I am delighted that the energy efficiency installations and green technologies at Darlaston Swim and Fitness Center are now complete.
“Everything is harmoniously integrated into the existing infrastructure of the entertainment centre, reducing energy consumption and improving the overall customer experience.”
Walsall Council worked in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, on the project, which was carried out by Leisure Energy, an award-winning energy saving consultancy.
Leisure Energy project director Georgina Hyde added: “It was great to work in partnership with Walsall Council and Alliance Leisure to deliver energy saving measures and green technologies.
“These measures have helped to significantly reduce Darlaston Swim and Fitness Centre’s carbon footprint, providing its customers with a sustainable facility for generations to come.
“As part of our Leisure Energy community programme, we have also been able to help Darlaston Town Football Club reduce their gas usage.”