Energy for Tomorrow success stories: energy efficient overhaul saves Somerset sports facility
British Gas has stepped in to rescue Yeovil Olympiads Athletic Club with an Olympic sized makeover, driving down energy consumption and making the club more accessible for the local community. In January 2024, Somerset County Council – needing to save £100 million to avoid bankruptcy - told the club that its Bill Whistlecroft Athletics Arena faced closure because of high running costs.
The club and community quickly mobilised, setting up a petition that garnered almost 15,000 signatures and was shared widely – including by Olympians like Dai Greene, Jenny Meadows and Katharine Merry.
Enter British Gas. When we learned that such an important community sports facility was under threat, we stepped in to give it a full retrofit and makeover. With funding from our Energy for Tomorrow programme, we implemented high-tech, energy efficient upgrades that will drive down the club’s annual energy bills by a whopping 74%, helping to secure its future.
The upgrades will transform the centre into a modern, sustainable, and future-proof hub. They include:
- New solar panels with battery storage
- Air to air heat pumps
- Improved roof and wall insulation
- Replacement doors and windows
- External cladding
- LED floodlights
- A comprehensive makeover of the clubhouse, bathrooms, and changing rooms
These upgrades are projected to cut the club’s energy usage by 82% and save up to 10 tonnes of carbon annually – the equivalent to the carbon footprint of nearly 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This secures the club's sustainability for years to come.
The transformation is part of our broader ‘Powering Home Fans’ initiative launched in the run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games. Through our long-term partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, we’re looking to drive positive change in local communities by promoting sustainable energy use and supporting communities through sport.
What is Energy for Tomorrow?
Established to empower communities and entrepreneurs who have concepts to deliver affordable, accessible and reliable clean energy for all, Energy for Tomorrow offers grant funding and support to bring their ideas to life.
Energy for Tomorrow derives revenue from the feed-in tariffs of solar panels that we installed in over 250 schools in the UK between 2011 and 2016. Thanks to these solar panels, not only do each of these schools save almost £2,500 every year, and collectively offset 1,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the feed-in tariff revenue also continues to help communities tackle climate change today.
Does your local sports facility need some Energy for Tomorrow support and funding? Learn more and express your interest here
It's fantastic to see this sporting facility get a much-needed refresh. These places are crucial for physical and mental health and bring people together. With the Olympics around the corner, these upgraded facilities will inspire young people to pursue their dreams of competing at an elite level.
Six months ago, we were on the brink of extinction. The timely intervention from British Gas and the incredible support from James Guy, Aled Davies, Greg Rutherford, and Mark Wright have been lifesaving. This club is vital to our community, fostering local talent and bringing people together. We couldn’t have imagined this turnaround without their dedication.
By stepping in to save Yeovil Olympiads, we’ve not only ensured its future but also showcased the substantial benefits of sustainability. We know how important sports facilities are to local communities and, through our Energy for Tomorrow fund, we will be investing £1 million over the next few years in upgrading these facilities and helping them become more sustainable with lower energy costs.