Community centre cuts costs with solar panel installation

A council-supported funding programme aimed at reducing energy bills and carbon emissions has enabled a local community centre to improve their energy efficiency.

The New Bury Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds, was one of 29 community groups that submitted their expressions of interest for funding from the Decarbonisation Initiatives Fund (DIF), an initiative to support community buildings in West Suffolk to reduce their use of carbon and address the climate emergency.

The community centre installed 70 kilowatt-peak (kWp) roof mounted solar panels and a 20-kilowatt (kw) battery energy storage system.

The projected financial savings is £12,500 per year and estimated to generate 61,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, with an annual saving of 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

The resulting savings will help the community centre maintain affordable hall hire rates, supporting the continued delivery of community activities and services, including children’s play groups and wellbeing sessions.

Yvonne Galloway, Chair and Trustee at the New Bury Community Association, said: “The New Bury Community Centre was completed in late 2021 and the community was able to start using this fantastic space. The Newbury Community Association was a charity set up to take charge of the ownership and running of the centre. With a total floor space of over 1,200 square metres, including a community hub and rooms that can be hired, the centre quickly became a well-used and important venue for the community. Users include the Carousel Children’s Centre, social and leisure groups, children’s parties, charities and religious groups, and a midwife clinic.

“Due to the high usage of the building, our running costs are significantly more than the previous smaller community centre, with electricity being our biggest monthly bill. Although the centre is 100 per cent electric with modern air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and air-conditioning, the electricity bills have come in at an average of £3,000 per month.

“By getting funding from West Suffolk Council’s Decarbonisation Initiative Fund, and drawing down funding from our Section 106 allocation, we have been able to add a battery and solar panels to the building, and store the energy we are generating. This will significantly reduce electricity costs and also benefit the environment by using less electricity from the grid. We thank West Suffolk Council and all involved in securing this funding.”

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Decarbonisation Initiative Fund is designed to empower communities to play an active role in tackling climate change. By investing in facilities such as the New Bury Community Centre, we are helping local communities become more resilient, reduce their carbon footprint and manage long-term operational costs.

“By focusing support on buildings that are central to community life, the fund ensures that the environmental and financial benefits of decarbonisation are shared across the district, creating lasting positive impacts for the local community.”

Cllr Luke Halpin, District Ward Member, said: “Improving the sustainability of community buildings is an important part of creating a greener and more resilient future. The solar panels and battery installation will help the New Bury Community Centre to reduce its carbon footprint and provide a welcoming space for residents.”

Cllr Frank Stennett, District Ward Member, said: “By installing solar panels and a battery, the community centre will benefit from lower energy costs, allowing more resources to be focused on activities and support that matter most to local residents. This project is a fantastic example of sustainability delivering real benefits for the whole community.”