We are delivering a programme of locally generated renewable energy to support our net zero ambitions.
Through solar PV on council buildings, leisure centres, housing and innovative solar car ports and a planned ground-mounted solar project, we are reducing emissions, lowering energy costs and demonstrating leadership in clean, locally generated power, strengthening local energy security and resilience.
We declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Consultation on the new Climate Change Strategy showed strong support for renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel reliance.
In response, we have developed a programme focused on solar generation and larger-scale local renewable energy opportunities.
The project aims to increase locally generated renewable energy, reducing operational energy costs and carbon emissions while supporting our climate ambitions. It will strengthen energy resilience and embed clean energy across council assets, demonstrating leadership in climate action.
Benefits include more stable running costs for public facilities, helping protect vital services from rising energy prices. The project will also support a cleaner environment, sustainable infrastructure, local jobs and a more resilient economy.
This programme has been delivered through a phased, opportunity-led approach, identifying suitable council assets for solar generation, while integrating renewables into new capital projects from the outset. Solar PV has been installed across a range of council buildings, including leisure centres, the crematorium and other operational sites, reducing reliance on grid electricity and associated carbon emissions.
Renewable energy is being incorporated into the design of new council buildings as standard. Alongside this, we have used the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to install solar PV and other energy-efficient technologies in council-owned homes, helping residents reduce energy bills, emissions and improve comfort.
Where roof space is limited, innovative solar car ports have been introduced, combining renewable generation with parking and EV infrastructure.
The next phase is the development of a ground-mounted solar installation at Knights Farm West. Further opportunities will continue to be identified and developed, expanding renewable capacity across our facilities.
The programme is delivering tangible progress towards net zero by increasing on-site generation. Solar PV installations are reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs and improving resilience to energy price volatility.
At the Crematorium, solar PV is generating a significant proportion of on-site electricity demand, reducing reliance on grid energy and operating costs. At Hailsham Leisure Centre, solar generation is offsetting daytime electricity use, helping to stabilise running costs and reduce fluctuating prices.
By integrating renewables across leisure centres, community facilities, housing and new developments, we are ensuring our assets actively contribute to climate action. Solar car ports demonstrate innovative use of available space, while the planned ground-mounted solar project at Knights Farm will significantly increase local generation and support long-term energy resilience.
The programme also provides leadership on renewable energy and creates a scalable foundation for future technologies, including battery storage and expanded EV charging. Together, these measures support a cleaner, more resilient local energy system and our long-term net zero ambitions.