Shine On!

130 solar panels have been installed at Lee Valley White Water Centre, the latest in a series of environmental improvement projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the sport and leisure venues in Lee Valley Regional Park.

The panels have been installed on the roof of the main building at the Olympic legacy venue in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire in a joint venture between Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and Paddle UK, whose canoe slalom and kayak cross athletes train daily at the venue.

The work was completed in December by contractor AES Smart and managed by Laser Energy and is part of our strategic objective to apply best practice across the park to reduce environmental impact.

Mike Stevens, Head of Asset Maintenance for the Authority, said: “This is the latest in a number of projects that reduces energy costs and have a positive environmental impact. Over the last two years we’ve also invested heavily in LED lighting at our major venues and solar panels at Lee Valley Ice Centre help make it the most sustainable ice centre in the UK.”

Ashley Metcalfe, Chief Executive Officer of Paddle UK, said: “I am delighted with the installation of solar panels at Lee Valley White Water Centre as it represents a milestone in Paddle UK's commitment to a sustainable future. This joint venture with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority demonstrates our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the Olympic legacy venue and the broader sport and leisure community."

The £100,000 joint environmental improvement project investment by the Authority and Paddle UK is expected to be recouped in eight years.