Member Article

Anesco gets started on ESCO for Halo Leisure

Halo Leisure is set to save thousands on its annual energy bills, while benefiting from long term reductions to its carbon emissions, after undertaking an ESCO with leading energy services provider Anesco.

The efficiency upgrades are set to generate savings of up to 25% on annual energy expenditure and will save the leisure group around 609 tonnes of carbon per year.

The ESCO model is an investor-funded route, which allows organisations to install energy efficiency measures without the need for upfront capital. The model works by examining current energy usage before recommending which measures could be installed to bring the greatest benefit.

Work is now underway to upgrade air handling units at four of Halo Leisure’s sites in Wales; Bridgend Recreation Centre, Pencoed Swimming Pool, Pyle Swimming Pool and Ynysawdre Pool and Fitness Centre.

Andrew Talbot, head of technical services at Halo Leisure, commented: “We have set ourselves a target of reducing our carbon emissions by 30% by 2020 and have already taken steps towards this. Undertaking the ESCO with Anesco has been the perfect next step for us. It will enable us to upgrade our air handling units at no cost, while we benefit from the savings generated from day one.”

The cost of the ESCO upgrades will be recouped for investors through a percentage of the savings generated on energy bills. The agreement will run for 12 years, after which time ownership of the efficiency measures will pass to Halo Leisure, which will also then receive the full benefit of the energy savings generated. Ongoing maintenance will also be covered under the ESCO agreement, providing additional savings.

Adrian Pike, CEO of Anesco, explains “As a leisure group with centres operating swimming pools and other facilities, Halo Leisure has constant heating and cooling demands. Managing energy usage around these facilities is therefore vital. Through the ESCO model, upgrades can be completed quickly and easily that will bring substantial benefits, while causing minimal disruption to service users.”

He added: “A key benefit of the ESCO model is that it is self-sustaining and enables organisations to install measures for long term gains, where they otherwise may have struggled for funding. Councils, businesses and organisations like Halo can install efficiency measures at no upfront cost, while reaping the benefit of reduced energy bills and carbon emissions from day one. Then at the end of the agreement they are left with a more efficient building stock.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anesco Limited .