Lochinvar and TSG Building Services PLC partner with Dartford Borough Council to install an advanced solar swimming pool heating system at the Fairfield Leisure Centre in an ambitious step for the Council to achieve its carbon reduction goals.
This project forms a crucial part of the council’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, aligning with the UK Government’s targets to slash emissions by 78% by 2035 and reach Net Zero by 2050.
The initiative, which is funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, has been strategically implemented to help Fairfield Leisure Centre become a self-sufficient energy user, producing renewable energy for its swimming pool heating needs. The overall aim of this project is not only to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the leisure centre but to demonstrate how local authorities can integrate renewable energy solutions into their public building portfolios.
Meeting the UK Government’s Net Zero Targets:
The UK Government has set stringent targets to drastically cut emissions by 78% by 2035, with the ultimate aim of reaching Net Zero by 2050. This ambitious plan is driving new policies for local authorities to implement sustainable energy solutions across public buildings. As part of Dartford Borough Council’s CO2 Reduction Programme, the Fairfield Leisure Centre project was designed to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels by installing an advanced solar thermal system to heat the swimming pool, thus significantly cutting carbon emissions.
This cutting-edge system is part of a broader initiative to replace outdated gas-fired boilers with more sustainable alternatives. By introducing solar thermal water heating, Dartford Borough Council not only addresses its environmental obligations but also sets an example for other municipalities looking to make the transition to renewable energy.
Project Overview: Solar Swimming Pool Heating System at Fairfield Leisure Centre:
The new 65kW Solar Thermal System at Fairfield Leisure Centre consists of 39 high-performance roof-mounted solar collectors, which efficiently harness solar energy to heat the centre’s swimming pool during daylight hours. The system is designed to provide a sustainable, cost-effective heating solution, reducing the leisure centre’s reliance on conventional energy sources.
For low-light conditions, such as cloudy days or during the evening, the system integrates with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) backup system, ensuring that the pool remains heated at all times. This hybrid approach enhances the system’s flexibility, allowing it to continue functioning effectively even during periods of low solar radiation.
The installation of the solar thermal system not only serves as a key component in the council’s carbon reduction strategy but also significantly cuts operational costs by reducing energy consumption.
Minimizing Disruption and Ensuring Community Comfort:
One of the main challenges during the installation of the solar thermal system was ensuring that the leisure centre could continue to operate without disruption to its members and staff. To minimize the impact on the community, most of the work was carried out overnight, ensuring the comfort and safety of both users and staff remained a top priority. This careful planning ensured that Fairfield Leisure Centre could maintain its regular activities without interruption, making the transition to renewable energy as seamless as possible.
Community and Environmental Impact:
The Fairfield Leisure Centre project is a prime example of the positive outcomes of public-private sector collaboration. As Dartford Borough Council’s leader, Jeremy Kite, noted, this initiative exemplifies how public sector organisations can work alongside private partners to meet sustainability goals while also benefiting the local community. The new solar thermal system is designed to make Fairfield Leisure Centre not just a hub for health and fitness but also a symbol of green energy innovation.
Kite stated, “Fairfield will be generating enough renewable energy to be self-sufficient – keeping the lights on, and the pools warm. Any additional energy is fed back into the National Grid, to ensure that nothing is wasted, and Dartford can move toward a greener future.”
This initiative is part of Dartford Borough Council’s broader environmental strategy to reduce its carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for local residents. By adopting this renewable energy solution, the council is actively contributing to the UK’s renewable energy transition, making the town a leader in sustainability.
Key Features of the Solar Thermal Swimming Pool Heating System:
- 65kW Solar Thermal System: The system consists of 39 roof-mounted solar collectors.
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP): An efficient backup system that ensures the swimming pool remains heated during low-light conditions.
- Energy Efficiency: The system significantly reduces the need for gas-fired heating, cutting carbon emissions and operating costs.
- Zero Waste Energy: Excess energy is fed back into the National Grid, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
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