Polmont community sports hub in Little Kerse, has gone greener with a £389,000 refurbishment, funded by SP Energy Networks' Green Economy Fund.

The newly upgraded facility is 'Showing Carbon the Red Card' by cutting their energy consumption and educating young people about climate change whilst encouraging positive action across the local community.

As part of a low carbon energy programme efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions have been introduced at the facility, known as the 'Home of Community Football'. A wide range of technologies have been installed, including a new solar farm along with battery storage technology, which has enabled Little Kerse to become fully self-sufficient, generating and storing electricity to power the entire community hub.

More than 12,000 children and young people play football at Little Kerse each month, so LED floodlights have also been installed to reduce energy consumption and to help amateur footballers continue to play after school, college and work throughout the autumn and winter months.

The upgraded facility now also boasts an electric vehicle charging station to encourage more local families to switch to electric cars. Vehicles can now be charged while parents and carers are cheering on children at football games.

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A special display has been installed on site to showcase the positive impact of renewable technology through real-time generation and the CO2 savings it brings. This innovative technology aims to inspire the next generation to learn more about climate change and make greener choices.

generated from the new technology and energy efficiency solutions will enable Little Kerse to reinvest into existing projects like 'First Kicks' 'Girls Allowed', and 'Friday Fun', all of which focus on making football accessible to everyone as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of young people.

Stephen Barr, Managing Director of Little Kerse, said: "We are passionate about supporting the young people that use our facility and we're so happy they can benefit from the sustainable upgrades that we've made across the facilities.

"We really appreciate the support from SP Energy Networks which has enabled us to reach our Net Zero aspirations at Little Kerse. We're proud to play our part in helping the local community get closer to a greener future whilst contributing to the national Net Zero targets."

We are supporting projects across Scotland to accelerate Scotland's journey to Net Zero emissions by 2045, and our Green Economy Fund has invested in the country's most innovative green projects including electrification of transport, low carbon heat projects and training young people in renewable technologies.

Craig Arthur, our Distribution Director, said: "We created the Green Economy Fund to help those who need it most – ensuring no community is left behind as the UK benefits from moves to cleaner and green energy.

"It's brilliant to see the impact that green upgrades have made at Little Kerse and for our funding to help get more children and young people into sport. Going greener can help community organisations reduce their costs while also doing their bit to protect the planet.

"The Scottish and UK governments have ambitious plans to achieve net zero emissions and investing in community projects like this makes big strides towards a cleaner future for all of us."