Sefton pool goes green to meet zero carbon target

(Left to right): Catie Page, Cllr Nina Killen, Bill Esterson MP, Trust chair Dympna Edwards, Pool chief executive David Kiernan

The pool and gym complex has decreased its electricity use by a huge 61 per cent since 2009, and its gas use by 37 per cent in just the last four years, through the use of solar panels on the roofspace.

The panels provide electricity for use across the building and thermal heating for the pool water, and managers are eyeing further measures that will help the pool trust achieve more extensive energy savings, which have already reached £63,000 per year since 2016.

Pool manager David Kiernan, Trust chair Dympna Edwards and trustee Catie Page welcomed Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson along with Formby councillor Nina Killen to the pool for a tour of the facilities, which have recently expanded to provide a new fitness studio and increased car parking capacity.

Mr Esterson said: “The vision for the future and the passion the staff and trustees have for this complex is very impressive. David explained that investment in the solar panels on the roof had delivered a 61 per cent reduction in electricity use and that they were exploring battery storage options for the future to bring that down even further.

“We are facing a climate emergency and this is exactly the sort of investment we should be encouraging all businesses and public buildings to explore. The economics of it are unquestioned – this sort of investment pays for itself over the long term and reduces the need for fossil fuels which we should all be trying to achieve.

“David explained that the next step will be air source heat pumps which will take heat from outside the building and transfer it inside to reduce gas use even further.

“Formby pool is leading the way in the Sefton area for energy efficiency and renewable energy use and I know they are keen to share their knowledge with any interested parties, and I will be introducing them to the Liverpool City Mayor Steve Rotheram for this purpose so we can expand the Merseyside-wide green agenda.”

Cllr Killen said: “I recently became a trustee of the Pool and I was struck immediately by the passion and dedication of all the staff and other volunteer trustees. As well as the great work being done on energy efficiency, there are also big plans for the future including a children’s outdoor play area, which will be open in a few weeks’ time.

“The chief executive David also told us about plans to create a new studio space in the grounds which would also be available for community groups to use.”

Formby Pool Trust recently increased its gym capacity and offers free personal training sessions with every membership. The pool’s fitness teams offer nutritional advice, training tips, assistance and motivation. Every member is entitled to two personal training sessions each week at no extra cost.

The pool’s new play area will open on February 14.