Decision details

To accept £287,546 of funding from the Phase 3b Public sector decarbonisation scheme to install a heat pump solution “EVO” to reduce the energy demand, CO2 emissions and costs at the Leisure at Cheltenham recreation centre.

The installation of “EVO”, a heat pump application and design will provide three main benefits:

1.     Lower energy use;

2.    Save CO2 emissions;

3.    Recover evaporation losses from the pools back to the water treatment system.

EVO captures the energy from the evaporation of water from the pools and returns it as heat to the main heating system, heating both pools water and air.  It is unique and could be described as both a water source and air source heat pump.

This new system will replace the current end-of-life natural gas boilers.  The installation of the EVO system will not only have environmental and financial benefits for Cheltenham Borough Council, but will enhance comfort levels within the pool, improving the experience for customers, pool visitors and staff alike through improving humidity levels.  This project will contribute to Cheltenham Borough Council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.

The pool is currently heated by natural gas boilers.  Replacing the boilers with like-for-like as part of the Council’s planned maintenance programme will not reduce carbon emissions at the centre.  This has been rejected as it is not aligned to the Council’s Corporate Priority to be carbon net  zero by 2030.

No consultation required.

No consultation required.