The council’s in-house energy services team has secured funding from Sport England’s swimming pool support fund (Swimming Pool Support Fund | Sport England), to improve energy efficiency and install renewable energy technologies in an effort to keep running costs down at Mountbatten leisure centre.

Over 570 solar panels have been installed on the leisure centre’s rooftop, which will offset 25% of the total electricity consumption. It is estimated that nearly all (90%) of the electricity generated by the solar panels will be used directly by the Mountbatten Centre.

Additionally, the centre’s main pool will benefit from a pool cover to retain heat when it’s not in use, reducing the site’s heat demand.

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport said:

“Winning this funding is fantastic. We are committed to investing in sport and leisure facilities across the city and have pledged to prioritise energy efficiency. By securing this funding, we are continuing to deliver our vision of sustainable and vibrant public spaces for all residents to enjoy. With each project we undertake, we are not only improving quality of life for our residents but also actively working towards the important goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by the year 2030.”

On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development shared:

“As a registered charity and social enterprise, improving sustainability in public leisure centres remains a key priority. Last year, we were awarded Green Mark Level 2 accreditation thanks to our implementation of sustainable practices to reduce our carbon footprint. We also have many other sustainable measures in the centre, including LED lighting and the installation of a cover on our learner pool to retain heat.

“This will make a big difference to Mountbatten’s energy efficiency, allowing us to invest in even more projects for public benefit.”

In addition to the work funded by Sport England’s swimming pool support fund, the Council are using their own Low Carbon Skills fund to upgrade the leisure centre’s ventilation system with more efficient motors to reduce electricity consumption by a further 10%.

Alongside this, the UV filtration system that keeps the pool clean has been replaced with more efficient filters reducing the electricity use by 9%.

These initiatives combined, once complete, will offset over 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, the

The capital projects team have also been upgrading the sports hall, using council budget. It received new flooring and walls, alongside multiple rooms within the leisure centre having upgraded heating systems to improve comfort. For the staff, areas were decorated throughout the cafe, kitchen and function rooms.

If your business is a high consumer of electricity, has a significant building footprint, and wants to take the first steps in using renewable energy, please contact the council’s energy services team at energy.services@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.