Stone Leisure Centre is set to become more sustainable with the installation of new solar panels, cutting energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.
Freedom Leisure, the not-for-profit trust that runs the centre on behalf of Stafford Borough Council, has fitted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to the roof as part of a major green investment. The project, which also includes Stafford Leisure Centre, aims to reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources and lower environmental impact.
A sustainable future for Stone’s leisure facilities
The initiative has been made possible through a partnership between Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council, securing government funding to support the installation of more than 650 panels across both sites.
Angela Brown, head of sustainability and environmental for Freedom Leisure, highlighted the significance of the project, particularly for facilities with high energy demands like swimming pools.
“This showcases our commitment to sustainability and our joint approach with the council to reducing carbon emissions,” she said. “By focusing on greener energy, we not only cut carbon output but also create long-term savings that can be reinvested into community programmes and facility improvements.”
Councillor Gillian Pardesi, cabinet member for leisure at Stafford Borough Council, added:
“Climate change is at the heart of everything the council does, and we need our partners to support us in working towards net zero. Freedom Leisure recognises its responsibility in making facilities more energy-efficient, and it’s fantastic to see funding from Sport England and the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) helping introduce solar power to Stone and Stafford.”
Real impact for the community
The solar panels are expected to generate more than 260,000 kWh of renewable energy each year, cutting carbon emissions by around 56 tonnes annually—equivalent to driving an average car around the world eight times.
Visitors to Stone Leisure Centre can now enjoy their activities knowing that the venue is playing its part in protecting the environment for future generations.
