22 August 2008, 08/193
Leisure centres saving energy
West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust has ‘bucked the trend’
around rocketing fuel costs to ensure customers don’t pay the
price!
Across the country, people are feeling the effects of the
spiralling costs for gas and electricity, which has had a massive
impact on bills. But with careful planning, the Trust has managed
to restrict price increases to only 3.7% this year for use of its
facilities at its five leisure centres.
This is because the Trust has worked together with their
partners to minimise the impact of this trend and strenuous efforts
by all staff has resulted in reducing energy usage.
One of the innovative ways in which the Trust is saving energy
is by wrapping swimming pool filters with bubble wrap. This idea,
which was introduced last year, has helped to save energy and cut
the Trust’s electricity bills as a result.
In fact, last month alone there was an 11% saving in fuel usage
across its five sites at Park Pool, Nye Bevan, Skelmersdale, Banks
and Burscough leisure centres. This will help to keep prices low
for some time.
Bill Lloyd, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Leisure
Trust, said: "The Trust and our partners, West Lancashire District
Council and Serco Leisure Operating Ltd, are committed to saving
energy and reducing carbon emissions. Our commitment to saving
energy has played a valuable part in enabling Serco Leisure
Operating Ltd to win the ‘Big Tick’ award for two years running.
This award recognises the real efforts made by companies and
businesses to improve energy efficiency. We have introduced a
number of energy saving initiatives and there is a real focus on
efficiency across the entire team. This has resulted on a reduction
of over 2,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions across the UK."
The Council, which is also committed to saving energy, is very
pleased with the results.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: "In recent times the massive hike in fuel prices keeps
hitting the news headlines, so this is a real success story in
itself. I’m delighted that the Trust is achieving its commitment to
saving energy, just like the Council is doing. May we all keep up
the good work!"
For information about any of the leisure centres, visit our
sport centres pages or www.westlancsleisure.com.
Related information
> Sports centres and swimming pools
> Sports
development