Published: Monday, 16th June 2025
The sun is shining on Rugeley and Chase Leisure Centre as work to make the centres more energy efficient is completed.
At Chase Leisure Centre the 370, 94 kilo-watt per hour panels, will save money and the environment. Carbon Dioxide emissions will reduce annually by 24 tonnes and - at the end of the 25 year life span - the panels will have prevented 600 tonnes of CO2 reaching the atmosphere.
That’s the equivalent of planting 1,305 trees per year. They will also save £900,000 over the course of their lifespan in energy costs.
Funded by Sport England via the Swimming Pool Support Fund both projects cost £320,000.
Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (IHL) who manage the facility on behalf of Cannock Chase District Council (CCDC) worked in partnership with property consultants, Barker Associates and the Cotswold Energy Group to make the project a success.
Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said: "This investment is a fantastic step forward in our commitment to tackling climate change and achieving our Net Zero targets. By making our leisure centres more energy efficient, we are not only protecting the environment but also ensuring long-term savings that can be reinvested into our communities. It's a win-win for both residents and the planet."
Managing Director of Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Neil Hutchinson said: “Our leisure centres are now greener and cleaner than ever before. Thanks to this funding we’re making a big difference to supporting our council partners towards their Net Zero targets. This has been a big team effort, and I’d like to thank all those involved.
“The environment plays a key role in the health of our communities, as a charity we are here to encourage everyone to live healthier, happier lives and to be able to do that in a cleaner environment is really important.”
At Rugeley, the solar panels produce 178.65 kilo-watts per hour and will save £3,322 per month. That’s a massive £39,800 per year on energy bills. In total, over the course of the panels 20 year lifespan, almost £800,000 in electricity savings will be achieved. But it’s not just the cost saving that matters. The solar panels will save an estimated 27.9 tonnes in CO2 emissions each year - that’s a massive 557.8 tonnes of carbon saved over the next two decades.
Martin Vinter, Project Manager for Barker Associates, said: “Both projects have been a resounding success. These solar panels not only address the immediate financial concerns faced by many in the leisure sector but also contribute to the centre’s long-term sustainability goals. We are delighted to have been involved in this project and help to make a difference.”