Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on One Leisure Solar Installations 2025.

Executive Councillor: S Howell

By means of a report and presentation by the Facilities Manager – Hard Services (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), an update on the One Leisure Solar Installations 2025 was presented to the Panel.

The Panel were advised that the CO2 savings quoted were based on energy savings and that the CO2 payback for the One Leisure St Ives (OLSI) canopy was expected to be five years.

It was noted by the Panel that the shared usage of the OLSI carpark with the neighbouring school had been considered and taken into account with the design of the canopy. It was further confirmed that the solar panel layouts maximised available space on the One Leisure Centre roofs and took into account maintenance access, flues and ensured a one metre strip was left at the edge of the roof.

The Panel heard that the solar panels had been sourced from China due to costs but that they had been installed by regional contractors. Further work in this area would consider both monetary and social value costs as part of the tender process.

It was clarified to the Panel that the energy generated by the solar panels was dependant on the sun but that energy storage options along with selling energy back to the grid would be considered in due course. It was noted that the knowledge gained from the project was being shared collaboratively with other local authorities and businesses.