More than 800 solar panels have been up and running on the roof of Alton Sports Centre for a year and have produced 226,458kWh of power in that time.
The energy produced has saved approximately 40 tonnes of carbon*, the equivalent of 1,600 trees**, since the scheme went live in late-January 2025.
The panels provide power for the centre during the day with any excess energy sent back to the grid.
The project at Alton Sports Centre was made possible by a £60million grant from the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund. EHDC was awarded the grant, working with Everyone Active on the application, which was approved in March 2024.
The planning and installation of the panels was done in partnership with ZLC Energy and Portsmouth City Council's Energy Services Team.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity (which includes climate and environment), said:
“Our leisure centres are currently one of the main sources of council carbon emissions - as identified in our carbon audit.
“This scheme is reducing the impact of Alton Sports Centre on that total and I’m pleased that we were able to support Everyone Active in securing funding, avoiding the need to pass the cost on to residents.
“These panels are a significant step forward on our journey to being carbon net zero by 2035.”
Chris West, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have worked in partnership with East Hampshire District Council on this sustainable initiative. The solar panels at Alton Sports Centre are a significant achievement in our shared commitment to reducing environmental impact.
“By generating clean, renewable energy on-site, we’re not only helping the planet but also delivering lasting benefits for the community and supporting the council’s wider carbon reduction goals.”
Find out more about Alton Sports Centre
* Figure based on the Government conversion factors for company reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (GOV.UK)
** Based on a tree absorbing 25kg of CO2 per year (ecotree)