SARA

What about EV charging points for cars?

Kevin

EV Charging Points

“Yes, they are coming too, both as part of the refurbs and as stand-alone projects. Achieving net zero would also mean our staff and customers able to access our facilities without increasing their own carbon footprint in the process. Right now electric cars are too expensive. We have to start somewhere and as previously said, I think it will happen in stages, rebuilding our infrastructure is key to enable this. We have also approached the coach companies who bring the children to swim lessons. The option to use electric coaches rather than diesel is there, but currently it would cost us 3 times as much.”

Sara Kevin

What else are you looking at? Any new technologies?

“We are looking all the time! As an example, the new spa & sauna at Move Altrincham needs heat, whilst the gym needs to be cool. Our warmed waste pool water is continually being replenished with fresh cold water, which has to be heated and treated. In all kinds of applications, more efficient heat recovery is one area we are looking at.”

Sara Kevin

If I wanted to know what my personal carbon footprint is now, is there way of measuring it? And what about the carbon footprint for Trafford Leisure, how on earth do we measure that?

“For a simple, personal snap shot, try an online search for ‘WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator’. Going back to your opening statements, by understanding what your personal carbon footprint is now, it will improve your own ‘carbon literacy’ and also help you consider what changes you may wish to commit to, that will reduce your and your families carbon footprint.

For a detailed and corporate analysis of TLCIC, last year we committed to an accreditation scheme called Planet Mark ( https://www.planetmark.com ). We will share more about Planet Mark in the coming months. We will evolve our sustainability strategy with our biodiversity partner Biora ( https://www.bioragroup.com ) whom we have been working alongside at the support office for over a year.”

Sara Kevin

Can we really achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier?

“Yes, but only with significant personal changes and major financial investments. The technology and engineering solutions already exist, it’s the political solutions that are needed to make it to happen.”

Sara Kevin

Major Investments

You said you thought Alty golf course will play a part, why?

“In the longer term, I think deep geo-thermal, ground sourced heat pumps (GSHP) will be play a key role. When GSHP become as commercially viable to install as ASHP, then they would generate far more energy than we need ourselves. We would then sell that renewal energy locally.

In the shorter term, the golf course itself will facilitate biodiversity net gain, carbon offsetting and carbon credits. Literally our green spaces will be a source of income.”

Sara Kevin

Well, thanks Kev, that’s been really interesting and great to hear of so many exciting developments.

“You are welcome and do let know what your own carbon footprint is!”

Any further questions?

Feel free to speak to Kevin Henderson on all things sustainability if you want to know more about what Trafford Leisure on our joruney to carbon neutrality.