Rooftop solar panels, battery storage and smart energy systems are being installed across eight leisure centres in Cardiff to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs.
The £1.65 million Cardiff Council project is expected to reduce electricity-related carbon emissions at the sites by around 35%, saving an estimated 146 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
The leisure centres, which are owned by Cardiff Council and managed by not-for-profit social enterprise GLL, include Maindy Leisure Centre, Fairwater Leisure Centre, Eastern Leisure Centre, Western Leisure Centre, Llanishen Leisure Centre, Pentwyn Leisure Centre, Penylan Library and Community Centre, and the STAR Hub.
Beyond the environmental impact, the scheme is projected to deliver significant financial savings for GLL, helping to offset rising energy costs and support the long-term sustainability of leisure services in Cardiff.
Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said: “This is a smart, forward-thinking investment that delivers on multiple fronts – cutting carbon, saving money, and supporting green jobs. It’s a great example of how our One Planet Cardiff strategy is driving real change across the city. By decarbonising our estate, we’re not only tackling the climate emergency but also making our public services more resilient and future ready.”
Installation of photo-voltaic panels is due to be completed shortly, with work to install and activate additional battery storage and smart systems expected to be finished in early 2026.
The initiative is funded through a blend of Welsh Government Ynni Cymru grants and SALIX finance and forms part of a wider retrofit programme across Cardiff Council’s estate, which has already contributed to a 23% reduction in carbon emissions within the Built Environment since the launch of One Planet Cardiff.
