An energy-saving project at Denbigh Leisure Centre that involved replacing old boilers has now been completed.

The project was managed by Denbighshire County Council’s Energy Team, who have been working on a number of projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions and costs across various council buildings.

The work is part of the council’s effort to address the climate and nature emergency, about which the council made a formal declaration in 2019.

The first phase of the project at Denbigh Leisure Centre involved the installation of solar PV panels on the roof.

The 18.7Kw photovoltaic (PV) array is the first of a possible two to be installed, and is funded by the council’s climate change budget.

It generates a total of 15,545kWh per year, saving slightly more than four tonnes of carbon renewable energy.

Each kilowatt generated and used by the building saves around 30 pence.

Further stages of the project included replacing the outdated and inefficient pool heating system with one that includes heat recovery and improved atmospheric controls; installing a second PV array; and adding LED lighting.

The old boilers were also lifted out of the leisure centre roof by crane, and replaced with a new environmental control heat recovery unit.

Martyn Smith, property energy and carbon manager, said: "This is an extensive project at the leisure centre with work ongoing to bring different energy technology together to help lower energy use and costs at the site.

"The new, lower output boilers and heat recovery, along with reduced costs from the solar PV system and LED lighting, will have a significant effect on reducing energy bills.

"We are grateful to the local users of the site and Denbighshire Leisure Limited for supporting us while we carry out this work."

Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "This project will help the leisure centre not only provide a better environment for physical activities for users and reduce carbon but also support the site in reducing ongoing energy costs.

"We are committed to reducing our buildings' carbon emissions and thank the Energy Team for their proactive work and the excellent engagement and support from Denbighshire Leisure Limited and the staff at Denbighshire Leisure Centre."

More information about the council's climate initiatives is available at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/climate-and-ecological-change/what-we-are-doing-as-a-council.aspx