A new power supply providing electricity and heat to Loughton Leisure Centre and reducing the building’s carbon footprint went live last week.

The combined heating and power unit (CHP) is twice as efficient as the old system while at the same time reducing emissions and costs.

Unlike traditional boilers which usually wastes large amounts of energy, the CHP unit generates electricity where required and uses excess heat for heating and hot water.

Leisure centres in particular use enormous amounts of power to maintain pool water temperatures, supply air conditioning, lighting and a host of other services.

Councillor Nigel Avey, Epping Forest District Councillor responsible for leisure switched on the unit at the centre in Traps Hill, Loughton.

He said: “This power source was incorporated into our new-build leisure centre at Waltham Abbey but had to be fitted as a replacement to the system at Loughton.

“CHP units gain their high energy efficiency by capturing and utilising heat from the engine during electricity generation. By generating energy on site, grid transmission losses are wiped out, increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

“The efficiency of this technology has a key economic benefit,” said Cllr Avey. “By maximising the transformation of fuel into energy for the leisure centre costs are significantly reduced.

“Investing in the CHP has an early payback against energy costs and savings continue for the lifetime of the CHP unit which can be 20 years or more.”