We are excited to announce a major upgrade to Farnham Leisure Centre’s heating system, replacing ageing gas boilers that have reached the end of their useful life with a new energy efficient Net Zero Pod® system in partnership with principal contractor, Leisure Energy.
The existing boilers have become increasingly inefficient and costly to maintain, with rising running costs. Continuing to rely on this system would have required significant ongoing investment while locking the centre into higher carbon emissions for years to come.
Following a detailed energy audit, a range of energy efficiency improvements were identified. The replacement of the existing boilers with air source heat pumps was highlighted as the most effective long-term solution. The new system – Leisure Energy’s Net Zero Pod® – is an external packaged plant room incorporating advanced air source heat pump technology. The project has recently reached a major milestone with both the Net Zero Pod® and fan decks now being in place. When the installation is fully complete, it will significantly improve energy efficiency while reducing the centre’s carbon emissions by an estimated 134 tonnes of CO₂e per year.
While the project represents a major capital investment, it is expected to deliver long-term savings through lower running and maintenance costs. It will also help future-proof the facility, offering better value for money than continuing to operate outdated gas infrastructure.
Councillor Adam Duce, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:
“This project demonstrates how environmental responsibility and financial prudence can go hand in hand. By replacing end-of-life equipment with modern, efficient technology, the council and Everyone Active are reducing emissions, lowering long-term costs and supporting our shared ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030. At the same time, we are continuing to invest in vital community facilities for our residents.”
Farnham Leisure Centre currently accounts for around 9% of Waverley Borough Council’s total carbon emissions and was identified as a priority project in the Council’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan (2024). The total cost of the scheme is approximately £2.1 million, with £1.875 million secured through external funding, including government grants. The remaining balance will be funded by Waverley Borough Council.
Ash Davison, Project Manager at Leisure Energy said,
“At Leisure Energy, we believe the installation of the Net Zero Pod® is about more than upgrading technology- it is about creating healthier, more resilient places for people and communities. We are proud to work alongside Waverley Borough Council and Everyone Active to install the Net Zero Pod® at Farnham Leisure Centre, replacing its ageing heating system with efficient air source heat pump technology.
"This project will significantly reduce the centre’s carbon emissions, future-proof an important community facility and help ensure it can continue supporting local people for many years to come. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations share ideas, embrace innovation and work together with a common purpose.”
Peggy Lee, Group Sustainability Manager at Everyone Active, added: “We are delighted to support Waverley Borough Council in delivering this important investment at Farnham Leisure Centre. Replacing the ageing gas boiler system with modern air source heat pump technology, will improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and help secure a more sustainable future for the centre. This project will deliver long-term benefits for both our customers and the local community.”
To find out more about our commitment to making the borough a greener, healthier, and more sustainable place to live, you can visit our sustainability and conservation webpage where you will find some of our key actions and strategies in place: Sustainability & Conservation | Waverley Borough Council.