With 20.77 tonnes of CO2 saved per year, RWBRFC is kicking energy waste into touch
While Royal Wootton Bassett rugby players have dedicated their summer to strength training ready for the new season, the club itself has been taking significant strides in strengthening its environmental credentials.
Celebrating a decade at our Ballards Ash home, our venue has always been future-proofed, featuring maximum thermal efficiency glass, full LED lighting, and water-saving taps and showers on timers. But that's not all - the club has two beehives producing single-source honey, which has become a favourite amongst patrons at the clubhouse bar.
With sustainability as a core value, the club has always aspired to do more. Chairman Chris Elias explains, "We had the roof specifically designed to be able to accommodate solar panels. So it was the logical next step to being more energy self-sufficient."
The club contacted Severn Wye Energy Agency and successfully applied for a Target 2030 grant of just over £11,300. This grant, combined with the club's own investment of £26,400, enabled the installation of a 46 kWp solar PV array on the clubhouse roof.
Chris commends the straightforward application process, with support and advice from a Business Energy Assessor whenever needed. Additionally, a grant from the local authority provided an extra financial boost.
Financial savings
Since the solar array's installation, the club's energy costs have decreased significantly, making a remarkable impact. Generating a substantial portion of their energy and selling the surplus to the grid has not only been financially beneficial but has also eased operations. "It makes everyone a bit more relaxed when we have to crank up the air conditioning in the summer!" Chris adds.
The club's commitment to sustainability caught attention when it was first publicised. Chris states, "Saving 20 tonnes of CO2 makes people take notice."
Although the club would have likely proceeded with the solar installation even without Target 2030 grant funding, the contribution made the decision a no-brainer, given the much quicker return on investment. Over the lifetime of the array, the club expects to save more than £228,000.
Looking ahead, the rugby club remains dedicated to identifying further potential savings. The club has signed up for an RFU review to explore additional sustainable initiatives, such as the installation of batteries to utilize daytime generation for powering floodlights on the pitch. Furthermore, plans are underway to have several EV chargers installed in the car park.
With a greener future in mind, Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club demonstrates that making environmentally conscious choices is not just beneficial for the planet but also makes financial sense.
