A major green energy project is nearing its conclusion at the Windrush Leisure Centre in West Oxfordshire.

The work at the venue aims to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and remove fossil fuel dependency from one of Oxfordshire’s busiest public facilities.

Funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the scheme includes fitting 11 air source heat pumps along with updated air handling systems to improve heating, ventilation and energy efficiency.

Councillor Andrew Prosser, serving as the executive member for climate action and nature recovery at West Oxfordshire District Council, explained that this marks an important step for the centre and a substantial move towards cutting emissions from one of the council’s most regularly used public buildings.

By channelling investment into low-carbon technology, the authority is tackling the climate emergency while lowering running costs, and ensuring local people can continue to enjoy quality facilities that encourage active and healthy living. This proves how vital community assets can be protected while minimising environmental harm.

The upgraded systems are expected to reduce the centre’s carbon emissions by roughly 39 percent, stopping more than 250 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere each year. Solar panels have also been added to generate clean electricity.

The project supports West Oxfordshire District Council’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030. Similar upgrades are progressing across the district, including new solar panels at Carterton Leisure Centre.

The council says the initiative shows how funding for public buildings can deliver both environmental and financial benefits for local communities. The enhancements should improve user comfort while supporting the authority’s wider sustainability goals.