Xsite Skate ParkA sports centre harnessing the power of the windy coastline in Skegness

The Lincolnshire Extreme Sports Association is a registered charity located in Skegness, which provides a range of sports activities for the local community.The project involved the installation of a 20kW wind turbine on a community sports building built on 2006. The building itself is a purpose built indoor and outdoor skate park including a cafe and changing facilities for beach sports participants. As the building is located on the beach front and electricity is the main energy source, wind power was the ideal technology.

Sector Registered Charity

Location Skegness, Lincolnshire

Technology(ies) installed Wind Turbine

www.bre.co.uk

“Skegness has a strap line which is “SO BRACING”, and being in a coastal town, we are in the ideal location to harness wind power .”

The Project

The project aimed to raise awareness of climate change amongst the community, particularly amongst young people who use the building regularly. Achieving a reduction in CO2 emissions and electricity costs were the main drivers for the project as well as less reliance on imported energy. The wind turbine was predicted to reduce the facilities CO2 emissions by as much as 85%. The estimated annual energy production from the turbine is 44000kWh and this can reduce the carbon footprint of the building significantly.

Benefits at a glance

£ savings £5,720 year (estimated)

CO2 savings 23 tonnes/year (estimated)

Community AwarenessIncreased awareness of renewable energy among young people who use the park

Lessons Learned

The charity achieved their aims of reducing their electricity bills which were previously very high.

The installation of the wind turbine was straight forward

The issues that came up during this project were:

Funding wasn’t provided until after the project was completed so there was a shortfall were costs needed to be met from other sources. This put added pressure on the project however they were able to obtain an extended loan from the council to cover the costs before the grant money was received.

For further information, please contact:

BRE, Watford, Herts, WD25 9XX

T: +44(0)1923 664000 E: enquiries@bre.co.uk

Part of the BRE Trust

www.bre.co.uk