Stafford Leisure is working to improve its sustainability having invested in solar panels for the centre's roof and eco showers.

The changes mean a decrease in the facility's carbon footprint by 35 tonnes a year.

Stafford Borough Council are keen to showcase the centre's sustainability success which recently featured in an online case study and video.

The rooftop solar panels reduce operating costs through the winter and allow the leisure centre to operate off-grid through the summer months with zero energy costs; this reduces electricity consumption by 140,000 kW annually.

Cllr Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery at the borough council said: "The installation of solar panels and eco showers at Stafford Leisure Centre have helped secure the centre's future for the long term by driving down operating costs and at the same time, reducing environmental impact.

"We're championing sustainability by highlighting the work people across the borough are doing to make more efficient use of resources and help protect nature.

"Projects like this can inspire others to take similar action and lead the way in building a more sustainable future for everyone."

Now that customers are using the eco showers, the centre is able to save almost four million litres of water a year.

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The facility is run by Freedom Leisure in partnership with the borough council.

Steve Jefferies, Area Facilities Manager for Freedom Leisure said: "By being more sustainable as an organisation, we can ensure we remain open for the public and make sure people can continue to come here to train and swim and feel good about themselves.

"Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council are working really hard behind the scenes to keep ourselves highly sustainable for the future, to ensure we're around for the long term and to continue benefitting the local community."

To support the council's sustainability initiative email [email protected].