Stafford Leisure Centre is blazing a trail in sustainability, with the investment of solar panels and eco showers reducing energy and water use as well as decreasing the carbon footprint of the centre by 35 tonnes a year.

As part of a drive to celebrate sustainable success stories, Stafford Borough Council is shining a spotlight on the project at the leisure centre, which is featured in an online case study and video.

The Council is also encouraging schools, community groups, businesses and residents to share their own sustainability efforts and help inspire others across the Borough.

Councillor Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery at the Borough Council said: “The installation of solar panels and eco showers at Stafford Leisure Centre have helped secure the centre’s future for the long term by driving down operating costs and at the same time, reducing environmental impact.

“We’re championing sustainability by highlighting the work people across the borough are doing to make more efficient use of resources and help protect nature.

“Projects like this can inspire others to take similar action and lead the way in building a more sustainable future for everyone.”

At Stafford Leisure Centre, the rooftop solar panels help reduce operating costs through the winter and allow the centre to operate off-grid through the summer months with zero energy costs.

Electricity consumption at the centre has been cut by 140,000kW annually, while the introduction of eco showers has driven down water usage by almost 4 million litres a year.

Steve Jefferies is Area Facilities Manager for Freedom Leisure which runs the leisure centre in partnership with the Borough Council.

He said: “By being more sustainable as an organisation, we can ensure we remain open for the public and make sure people can continue to come here to train and swim and feel good about themselves.

“Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council are working really hard behind the scenes to keep ourselves highly sustainable for the future, to ensure we’re around for the long term and to continue benefitting the local community.”

Residents can read more about the good work from the council’s website – and you can also watch the leisure centre video (YouTube). To support the initiative and help inspire more sustainable actions in the borough email climatechange@staffordbc.gov.uk

Press Release No 6292