The Reef Leisure Centre
Sheringham
The ambition
The Reef Leisure Centre, in partnership with the North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), plays a vital role in fostering an active lifestyle within the local Sheringham community. As one of the more than 200 leisure and cultural centers across the UK managed by Everyone Active, a subsidiary of Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, The Reef has taken significant steps towards the group’s overall strategy to achieve operational net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 with the recent installation of a solar PV carport commissioned by NNDC.
Recognising the substantial energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with leisure centers, the group’s net-zero strategy involves various changes, such as committing to renewable energy sources through the implementation of onsite renewable energy, transitioning to a renewable energy tariff, replacing all company-owned and leased vehicles with plug-in electric and establishing charging infrastructures, developing offset strategies and collaborating with key suppliers, including NNDC, to set and report emissions targets.
By reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy and promoting a greener lifestyle, this collective effort underscores a commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable future for the community.
The solution
Following a comprehensive assessment of the appropriate system size based on the leisure center’s energy needs and available space, our design involved the installation of 1.5m bolts into the ground to construct a solar PV carport consisting of mono-pitched frames, covering approximately two-thirds of the parking space.
The evaluation and optimisation of the layout and placement of the commercial solar PV panels resulted in a solar generation surface of 1,265 square meters, with minimal yield reduction due to shading from nearby structures.
Of the solar power generated by the solar PV carport, 75 percent will be utilised as a renewable energy source for the leisure centre, while the remaining 25 percent will be fed back into the National Grid.
265kWp
Total installed capacity
648
Solar panels installed
2 x 100kW
Inverters installed
“This project is a shining example of how collaboration can bridge the gap between innovative design and forward-thinking commercial solar energy solutions. It's more than just generating electricity; it signifies our shared commitment towards a more resilient and energy-efficient future for our nation.”
Damian Baker, Managing Director, RenEnergy
“While solar carports are indeed an innovative way of utilising space to generate energy, these carports are also a very visible demonstration of an organisation’s commitment to sustainability. I hope that The Reef inspires others to embrace solar solutions as an efficient way to manage costs and most importantly, a crucial part of their sustainability journey.”
William Lloyd, Project Manager, RenEnergy UK
The benefits
It will supply a third of The Reef’s annual electric needs
Energy savings expected to recoup the cost of the solar PV carport in 6 years.
Saves space and powers Council assets
Reduced energy costs and CO2 emissions
CO2
Annual saving of
50,206 kg/year
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and would have been estimated as at the time of the installation. CO2 equivalent analogies source