Torbay Leisure Centre | PSDS Case Study

In recent years, the imperative need to address climate change has been at the forefront of Parkwood Project Management’s forward thinking enterprise. As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, PPM has been supporting its clients in funding and delivering decarbonisation initiatives. This case study of Torbay Leisure Centre highlights our approach, and the impact of those initiatives.

Torbay Council received funding of £1,849,899 from the PSDS grant for the implementation of a decarbonisation project at the Torbay Leisure Centre. These works will assist with the Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, reducing annual gas consumption and carbon emissions. Working together with Parkwood Leisure, the facility operator, Leisure Energy were engaged to carry out an in-depth energy survey, assist with the compilation of the technical aspects of the application and provide principal designer and principal contract services for the construction phase of the project. This facility is Parkwood Leisure’s first zero fossil fuel leisure centre, and was awarded the Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year at The Energy Awards 2022.

Parkwood Project Management collaboratively engaged with Leisure Energy to assess energy usage and equipment conditions at the leisure center for grant application purposes. The facility, originally built in 1976 with an extension in 1984, underwent minimal updates since the installation of a new control system and variable speed drives around 2015, resulting in utility consumption reductions.

However, our evaluation revealed critical areas for improvement. In 2019, energy consumption stood at approximately 2,638,866 kWh, emitting about 524 tonnes of carbon. Several issues were identified, including the absence of renewable technology such as solar panels, an aging heating system requiring full replacement, four out of ten boilers non-operational, and three main air handling fossil fuel units in need of complete refurbishment.

Given the size of the building, age of the plant and building facility in addition to constant heat demand required to service the swimming pools the leisure centre provided a significant opportunity for substantial carbon footprint reduction and modern sustainable technology integration.

We commend the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for launching the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) through Salix in September 2020. This £1 billion initiative supported energy efficiency & heat decarbonisation projects in England’s public sector. For details and eligibility, visit www.salixfinance.co.uk. PPM & Parkwood Leisure support numerous Public Sector organisations in securing funding which contributes to a sustainable future.

Energy Saving Measures

Implementing a range of energy-saving measures, we’ve introduced new air source heat pumps, upgraded AHU fan motors, and enhanced our Building Energy Management System (BEMS). Additionally, we’ve installed battery storage solutions, implemented water management controls, and integrated solar photovoltaic panels. Complementing these efforts are the adoption of low-energy lighting fixtures and sensors, all contributing to a more sustainable and efficient operational environment.

Torbay

Torbay Council

£1,849,899

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