Leading leisure resort Waterworld is set to cap off a £13m growth investment programme with a huge sustainable energy project to save money and the planet.
Significant vacant roof space at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme sites will be fitted with thousands of solar panels to contribute to its energy requirements.
It’s estimated the renewable energy produced in a year – around 1 million kilowatt/hours – could power 90 homes for a full year or save the equivalent CO2 emitted from consuming 80,000 gallons of petrol.
Work is set to start this month on the installation that will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the group which, as well as the UK-renowned water park, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, includes two M Club health clubs, indoor golf, an indoor adventure mini village and early years nursery facilities based on the Montessori child development principles.
The company already protects the environment by drawing water from its own boreholes and generating its own electricity, reclaiming heat from the process to further reduce its impact.
And Group Chairman Mo Chaudry is urging Stoke-on-Trent City Council to accelerate its district heat network initiative to use super-heated water deep under the Potteries to provide energy secure and sustainable solutions for the whole city (see Daily Focus column guest later this week).
Waterworld Group Chief Operating Officer Wayne Goodall said the time was right for investment in the solar technology.
He said: “Swimming pools, water parks and health clubs use a lot of energy, day in, day out, and it’s our priority to make energy supplies as cost effective as possible for the sake of the business and all our customers.
“Saving money on energy can be the difference between businesses like ours surviving or failing, especially in the current climate.
“We are also a responsible business and we work hard to reduce our impact on the environment wherever we can.
“Using the vacant roof space at our sites to generate renewable energy will not only protect and support the business, but will also significantly reduce our carbon footprint.”
It’s estimated there are more than half a million acres of vacant industrial roof space in the UK which could be used to install solar panels. Wayne added: “Waterworld Group has always been a pioneer in innovating the way it looks after its customers and influences the UK leisure market. Now we hope our commitment will influence others to invest in protecting the planet too.”
