China Fleet Country Club in Cornwall has invested over £100,000 installing state-of-the-art solar energy technology, which has not only helped the Saltash-based club to reduce its energy costs, but also set it on a path to become carbon neutral within 10 years.
The impressive 165kWp array of solar panels has been installed on the large roof of the main building by Cornish company ZLC Energy Ltd. It will save 95,000kg of carbon per year and will provide 16% of the club’s total energy requirements.
China Fleet Country Club Managing Director Dean Bennett said: “We are delighted to see our new Solar PV system now in place. It’s something we’ve been planning for a number of years and it’s very exciting to see it now installed.”
“As a club we are aiming for net zero carbon use by 2030. The installation of the solar array will help us achieve this, and has the added benefit of substantially reducing our energy costs, especially at a time when energy costs have risen so dramatically.”
After consulting with ZLC Energy, the Solar PV system became a clear option for thecClub in tackling its high demands of energy use. The system provides a high level of savings in both terms of financial, but carbon savings too.
“One critical element of the installation was that we had to ensure there was an absolute minimum disruption for our visitors and members,” added Bennett. “It was completed so discreetly, in fact, you wouldn’t even know it was taking place, which allowed us to remain fully open throughout the duration of the installation. We’re delighted to be able to monitor the new system and see it already performing very well. It’s even heating our swimming pools!”
Matthew Shepherd, Managing Director at ZLC, added: “This was a fairly complicated installation due to the challenges posed by the club’s slate roof, but our team managed to complete the project on time, to budget, and safely. We were on site for six weeks, but were able to work discreetly with minimal disruption to the club and its members. We’re looking forward to working with China Fleet on their plans for further sustainable projects.”
“We have installed many environmentally friendly systems here at the Club,” added Bennett. “Internally, we have installed low energy light bulbs, reduced our plastic and operate a zero-to-landfill waste. Externally, we have installed electric car charging points, encourage people to cycle here and use our new bike shelter and work with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We’ve recently planted two wildflower areas and 100 new trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Canopy and we even have our very own water supply and water treatment works, Nature Trail and two bird hides overlooking the Tamar Estuary Nature Reserve.”
China Fleet has also been awarded the Green Tourism and TripAdvisor Gold Green Leaders Award accolades for its continued efforts.
China Fleet Country Club was established more than 30 years ago to provide rest and recreation facilities for Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel and their families. It has since evolved into a contemporary family-friendly facility that is also open to members of the local community and is a popular venue for tourists, weddings and conferences. It comprises a championship golf course, a leisure complex, health and beauty suite, apartments, café and restaurant, and over recent years, several environmental projects have been at the forefront of its growth.
Bennett added: “We will continue to invest heavily in our energy infrastructure and the environment is at the heart of everything we do here. We have recently formed a Green Team to encourage employees to be actively involved in future plans and come up with ideas they care passionately about.”