North Wales venue aiming to become first net zero social club in UK

A POPULAR social club which poured its efforts into becoming net zero is reaping the rewards.

Ewloe Social and Community Club has successfully lowered its carbon footprint after receiving a grant from the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund.

The Fund is delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise with the backing of Pathway to Carbon Zero Ltd and Litegreen Ltd in collaboration with Flintshire County Council.

The club, which has been a mainstay in Flintshire since 1938, used the money to bring in experts to carry out a Carbon Reduction Feasibility Study, which highlighted areas in need of improvement.

Solutions included an insulated roof, alternative heating, a switch to renewable energy and PV solar battery storage.

Club secretary Paul Roberts said: “This support helped us to identify exactly what we needed to do to make this a viable operation for the future, a sustainable building for the local community and more energy efficient.

“The funding for the feasibility study was absolutely key to the decision-making process which has seen us install solar panels, insulate the roof and walls, and eventually we will look to fit automated doors.”

He added: “It has made a financial difference to us as we were spending thousands of pounds trying to keep the club warm, and it’s much more comfortable for our members and visitors.

“We have more and more organisations now using this space, which is of benefit to the whole community.

“Our aim is to be the first net zero social club in the UK, and we are on our way – we will keep working hard to get there.”

The club is already generating almost 21,000kwh of renewable energy annually, according to installers JM Renewable Solutions, equating to £5,858 of free electricity per year.

Aimed at organisations in Flintshire, the Carbon Reduction Feasibility received £297,294 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with grants available for businesses to access specialist advice on how to become a more sustainable organisation, as well as offering guidance on equipment, buildings, energy use and systems and methods that will reduce their carbon footprint and help increase profitability.

Fund Manager Rowan Jones said: “We are thrilled to see how the feasibility study led to positive change for Ewloe Social and Community Club.

“Importantly, it gave them guidance on what strategy and approach to take, and since redeveloping the site and adopting more sustainable methods they have already seen the financial, social, and environmental benefits.

“The substantial carbon and cost savings will improve the long-term sustainability and viability of the venue, and we wish them good luck on their journey to becoming net zero.”

For more on the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund, visit www.anturcymru.org.uk/flintshire, email flintshirefund@anturcymru.org.uk or call 01352 871298.

Alternatively, follow Antur Cymru Enterprise on social media at @anturcymruwales or visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk.

Visit Ewloe Sports & Social Club in Deeside (ewloesportsandsocialclub.co.uk) for the latest news from Ewloe Social and Community Club.