Sixmile Leisure Centre Goes Green

Sixmile Leisure Centre has been chosen to be part of a new demonstration renewable energy project led by Start Solar. The renewable energy company which specialises in a range of renewable energy solutions recently installed 30 solar panels to the large south facing roof of the Ballyclare-based leisure centre. The system has been set up with online monitoring and a generation meter, allowing a comparison between live and historical electricity output.

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Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said, “I am delighted that one of our Council facilities has been able to take part in this pilot scheme. Sixmile Leisure Centre will be the second leisure centre in our Borough to have a renewable energy system installed, with Crumlin Leisure Centre also having 48 solar panels amongst a wide range of other energy efficient technology in place. The Council has a commitment to being environmentally friendly and by using renewable energy, we can do our bit by reducing our carbon footprint with the added bonus of reducing our energy costs.”

Managing Director for Start Solar, Andrew McKee said “I am delighted Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is taking part in this project. Sixmile Leisure Centre’s level of electricity use, particularly to heat the swimming pool, and the large south facing roof made them the perfect candidate for Solar PV - one of the most common forms of renewable energy on the planet. I am confident that the leisure centre will see many improvements to its energy efficiency which will in turn reduce electricity bills as well as emissions.”

The project was one of three demonstration projects carried out by Start Solar, one in a manufacturing setting, one in the hospitality sector and one in a council premises.