Flintshire-based organisations given major boost towards achieving net zero

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From optimising solar power to installing energy efficient lighting, Flintshire firms and community organisations are advancing towards net zero.

Nearly a dozen beneficiaries have been empowered to implement key low carbon infrastructure thanks to a grant from the Flintshire Fund, delivered by Antur Cymru and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

This builds upon previous support delivered via the social enterprise’s Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund, delivered in partnership with Pathway to Carbon Zero Ltd, which helped participants identify where and how to minimise their emissions.

One such recipient is Cambrian Aquatic Sports Centre in Connah’s Quay, which has boosted its ambitions to become one of the UK’s first net zero pools.

Offering swimming lessons for adults and youngsters, the community interest company (CIC) has installed Low-E (low-emissivity) insulation film across 60 of its single-glaze windows.

The new specialised coating is predicted to lower the centre’s energy costs by approximately 10 per cent and minimise thermal pollution by reducing heat loss in winter and solar heat gain in summer.

Cambrian Aquatic Sports Centre manager Sue Banks said: “We’ve seen our heating costs triple with monthly expenses averaging around £11,000, which isn’t sustainable in the long term, especially as a not-for-profit organisation.

“As such, we’re very grateful for the Flintshire Fund for enabling us to purchase the Low-E film, which will make a huge difference in helping us maintain the right temperature for both our pools and mitigate our impact on the environment.”

The latest upgrade joins Cambrian Aquatic Sport Centre’s new solar panels and trio of air-source heat pumps, which will further enhance its journey to net zero by minimising reliance on the national grid for electricity and heating.

Similarly, the UKSPF-backed grant has played a key role in accelerating the carbon reduction efforts of transport and logistics company Farrall’s Group.

With almost 10 per cent of its fleet electric, the family-run business can cut its carbon emissions by up to 108,000kgs per year – a figure that’s now supported by the installation of two new electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The additional infrastructure draws upon its existing 520kWh solar power system at its Deeside Industrial Park headquarters, allowing both trucks and staff vehicles to utilise the clean energy source.

Farrall’s Group managing director Matthew Farrall said: “Grants like the Flintshire Fund are crucial in enabling us to position ourselves as a net zero leader within the transport and logistics industry, so we’re thankful for the support.

“From a business perspective, the chargers will help lower our scope three emissions by making it easier for staff to switch to electric as they can now power their vehicles on site at no additional cost.

“The grant has really helped us bring to life suggestions outlined in the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Report and will allow us to invest in other green technology such as a battery energy storage system (BESS) and EV superchargers.”

Antur Cymru Flintshire Fund manager Cathy Martin echoes a similar sentiment, believing the scheme, which offers up to £10,000 for beneficiaries, is crucial in unlocking the next step for organisations looking to lessen their environmental impact.

She said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many companies use the funding to drive their carbon reduction ambitions and really underlines how vital this financial backing has been to their progress.

“Thanks to the UKSPF support, the scheme’s participants will also receive SMART monitoring sensors to help track their overall energy consumption and identify areas where it could be cut back, saving both costs and the planet.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for environment, regeneration, countryside, and tourism said: “With the Welsh and UK Government’s net zero by 2050 deadlines in place, it’s encouraging to see organisations making use of practical support such as the Flintshire Fund to improve their sustainability.”

Antur Cymru Flintshire Fund received £173,679 from Flintshire County Council’s allocation of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for the continuation year of 2025-26.