PSDS Works at Windsor Leisure Centre

On 20/03/2024, The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) became a recipient of grant funding from The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to assist in the implementation of a low-carbon heating project for Windsor Leisure Centre. The amount granted was £5,412,420.00 on the proviso that RBWM make a contribution of some £889,480.00 of the grant funding. Thus, this project has a total project value of £6,301,900.00.

RBWM is committed to sustainability and the climate crisis; it has committed to a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 (or achieve a 'B' rating by 2030) at latest and has produced a draft climate and environment strategy that demands substantial action across RBWM's functions. Suppliers are invited to view these commitments here: Energy and sustainability | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (rbwm.gov.uk).

RBWM has identified that its leisure facilities are a core area of improvement and, in particular, Windsor Leisure Centre as a high carbon-emitting building. It utilises a substantial amount of fossil fuels (natural gas) to heat swimming pools and areas within the pools' vicinity. Further, the building requires larger and a higher number of boiler units to maintain safe running temperatures. Compounded by the age of these units, this marks Windsor Leisure Centre as a significant emitter of carbon and thus a primary target for carbon reduction.

RBWM are thus seeking to transform Windsor Leisure Centre's emissions and require examination of (and implementation of a solution for) its air handling units (fans), solar panels and its air source heat pumps (which are air to water). These are the three primary focuses; however, RBWM is seeking a whole-building's approach to examination.

RBWM underlines that it has entered into an agreement with The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. Suppliers should be aware that funding can only be provided if its meets the eligible expenditure definitions within the grant agreement. Suppliers should also note the milestones RBWM has committed to in order to receive the funding and should endeavour to meet those milestones.