Sureserve Led the Decarbonisation of Widnes Vikings (DCBL) Stadium

Pioneering Step Towards Net Zero Carbon 

Halton Borough Council has taken a significant step in its journey towards sustainability with the completion of the decarbonisation of Widnes Vikings (DCBL) Stadium. This ambitious project, spanning seven months and valued at £1.2 million, highlights the Council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions.

Sure Maintenance, part of Sureserve, acted as the Principal Contractor, successfully leading the installation of 14 Mitsubishi air source heat pumps across the stadium's South, West, and North stands, replacing three gas-fired boilers and four gas water heaters. The work was completed by a dedicated team of renewable energy managers and eight fully qualified engineers alongside specialist sub-contractors.

The project benefitted from grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which Sure Maintenance helped to secure.

This initiative aligned with Halton Borough Council's long-term goal of cutting carbon emissions and advancing clean energy. It modernised the stadium's energy system and marked a key step in the Council's sustainability strategy, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient future for the community.

Innovative Approach

Due to the proximity of a high-density residential area, it was critical that noise pollution was kept to a minimum. Before the project began, the team worked closely with an acoustic specialist to assess potential noise levels. This collaboration led to the installation of acoustic hoods around the air source heat pumps to reduce noise output. All parties were extremely satisfied with the minimal impact on the local community.

Environmental Achievements

In terms of carbon reduction, the project is set to achieve an impressive annual saving of over 136 tonnes   CO₂e, which goes a long way towards supporting the Council's carbon reduction agenda and through electrification of heat.

Additionally, the project prioritised local labour, employing specialists from the community, supporting the local economy and lowering carbon emissions by reducing travel to the site.

Economic Benefits of the Project

The decarbonisation of Widnes Vikings' (DCBL) Stadium offers notable economic benefits. Newly installed air source heat pumps are a long-term investment known for their durability, with a lifespan of up to 25 years, far outlasting traditional gas boilers. The reduced need for replacements and maintenance will lead to significant cost savings for the stadium over time.

Additionally, Halton Borough Council invested in a local 1MW solar PV farm, now connected to the stadium, which uses around 45% of the electricity generated. By using renewable energy from the local solar farm, the stadium can expect lower running costs, making this a financially sound move for the future, as well as significantly lowering the Council’s carbon footprint.

Working towards Net Zero

Mark Prendergast from Halton Borough Council highlighted the significance of the project:

"The process of introducing renewable energy technology to our stadium has been a major milestone. We want to promote the use of clean energy and are proud to be in line with current net-zero targets, operating as a more sustainable, carbon-neutral community. Sure Maintenance has been outstanding throughout the entire process—we are more than satisfied with the quality of work and the team's ability to keep within the set budget. I personally want to thank the team for leading this successful project and look forward to our continued relationship."

The decarbonisation of Widnes Vikings (DCBL) Stadium is a fantastic example of how modern renewable energy technology can create both environmental and economic benefits. Halton Borough Council has taken a significant step toward a greener future, making this project a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts.

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