Sustainability upgrades across Leeds Public Buildings
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme-funded project to reduce emissions of 15 council-run buildings.Sustainability upgrades across Leeds Public Buildings
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme-funded project to reduce emissions of 15 council-run buildings. Key numbers
Key numbers
Overview
Equans partnered with Leeds City Council to deliver a major sustainability upgrade across 15 public buildings as part of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). The programme involved installing over 5,000 solar PV panels on a wide variety of council-run public buildings - ranging from leisure centres and community hubs of all ages and building types.
This work forms part of Leeds City Council’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and contributes to a wider £25.3m green investment programme across the city.
Our work
Delivering large scale renewable energy installations
Across the 15 buildings, Equans installed more than 5,000 solar PV panels, providing clean, renewable energy generation for facilities of different ages, sizes, and uses.
One of the most significant installations took place at the John Charles Centre for Sport, where 1,448 panels were fitted across its bowls, athletics, and tennis centre roofs. This has made the facility one of the first of its kind to be powered primarily by renewable energy generated onsite. Panels were also installed on the roofs of older people’s homes and facilities, offices, warehouses, and a one-stop community access centre. Work was carefully planned to minimise disruption, with many of the buildings remaining fully operational throughout.
Delivering energy savings
The panels installed will generate approximately 2,500,00.00 kWh per year and, over their 25-year lifespan, have the potential to save the council approximately £4.6m on electricity.
The scheme is part of a wider £25.3m green upgrade project across the city which will drastically reduce the carbon footprint of up to 38 public buildings.
Working together to secure government funding
Equans collaborated closely with Leeds City Council to successfully bid for the project’s funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) - managed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The scheme supports the national ambition of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037.
BEIS closely monitored the project in Leeds, helping to highlight it as a trailblazing scheme.
In November 2022, Lord Callanan, Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility, visited the John Charles Centre for Sport to see first‑hand how the technologies had been implemented .
Impact
The completed programme delivers significant carbon reduction, energy generation, and long‑term financial savings for Leeds City Council.
Key outcomes
- Approximately 2,500,000 kWh generated annually through the installed panels
- Estimated £4.6 million in electricity savings over a 25‑year lifespan
- Part of a wider £25.3m upgrade programme, reducing the carbon footprint of up to 38 council buildings
- 15 public buildings directly fitted with solar PV
Key facts
- Client: Leeds City Council
- Start: April 2021
- Completion: April 2022
- Value: £2.2m
- 5,000 solar PV panels fitted to 15 public buildings
- Funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
- Project part of Leeds Council’s commitment to being zero carbon by 2030
- Scheme visited by the Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility highlighting the scheme’s success
Frequently asked questions
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides government funding to help public organisations reduce carbon emissions by upgrading their buildings with low‑carbon and energy‑efficient technologies.
Solar PV systems generate clean, renewable energy on-site, cutting carbon emissions while significantly lowering long‑term electricity costs.
Decarbonisation projects help councils cut emissions, meet net‑zero commitments, and future‑proof their buildings against rising energy demands.
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
