Powering community wellbeing with cleaner energy: how Carbon3 helped decarbonise a council owned leisure centre in Kent.
Why leisure centres are frontline assets in the net zero transition:
Leisure centres are among the biggest energy using buildings in a local authority’s assets. Heated pools, air-conditioned gyms, lighting, and ventilation all contribute to high and continuous electricity demand. That energy use comes at a cost, both environmentally and financially.
For councils aiming to keep membership fees low and access inclusive, especially for families and low-income residents, controlling energy costs is very important. Without intervention, high utility bills could increase prices for these key services.
That’s why decarbonising leisure centres like this one isn’t just about hitting net zero targets: it’s about keeping the doors open and the prices down.
The project:
The client appointed Carbon3 as the principal contractor for their leisure centre decarbonisation project. The project was delivered using funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Carbon3 assisted with the application and made sure the project was complaint with the scheme’s regulations.
The project involved installing a 435kW solar PV system and a 200kWh battery storage unit, making it one of the largest local solar-plus-storage schemes of its kind.
The centre is leased operated by a commercial client, with whom Carbon3 has partnered across other leisure projects, ensuring a smooth relationship between contractor, operator, and council from day one.
A delivery model built around operational continuity:
Despite the scale of the project, the leisure centre remained fully open and operational throughout the works. That meant local residents could continue using gym and pool facilities without interruption while the building was being transformed behind the scenes.
Carbon3 managed the project from design through to delivery, including:
- Detailed site surveys and bespoke system design by our in-house technical team
- On-site delivery led by SMSTS-qualified site managers
- Weekly health & safety audits achieving 100% compliance scores with zero incidents
- Full integration of battery storage to maximise use of solar energy on-site
- Use of local contractors where possible to support the council’s social value commitments
Long-term strategy, not just a one-off project:
The client opted for a five-year operations & maintenance contract with Carbon3 to ensure the system continues to perform at its best.
The system is monitored 24/7 via Carbon3’s digital platform, giving the council live data visibility across generation, consumption, and battery storage performance. Council staff have also received training, enabling them to interpret data, optimise usage, and integrate insights into their broader estate decarbonisation plans.
Built-in sustainability, from start to finish:
Sustainability didn’t end with the solar panels. Carbon3’s team used electric vehicles (EVs) for site visits wherever possible and managed subcontractors to minimise construction-related emissions, including prioritising local scaffolders and equipment providers.
With a plan in place to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2030, Carbon3 practices what we deliver as we helps public sector clients reduce emissions while actively reducing our own.
Why this matters to public sector decision-makers:
This project is proof that decarbonisation doesn’t need to compromise public service delivery. With the right planning and partnerships, councils can:
- Reduce energy bills on high-demand buildings, replenishing their budgets
- Improve carbon reporting metrics for ESG and funding compliance
- Strengthen community access by protecting affordability
- Lay the groundwork for smart energy systems that future-proof civic assets
Ready to decarbonise your council estate without disrupting the community it serves?
Carbon3 is here to help with survey-to-maintenance solar and storage projects designed specifically for the public sector.
