Energising Coventry – energy investment brings lower bills and greater sustainability to six community hubs

Six public buildings across Coventry have undergone energy efficiency improvements as part of a £1.8m investment programme by Coventry City Council supported by the Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) between the city council and E.ON.

The significant investment has helped to modernise and decarbonise five key public buildings: the Moat House Leisure Centre (pictured above), Foleshill All Family Hub, Foleshill Library, Coundon Family Centre, Bell Green Library and the Wilfred Spencer Centre.

The transformation of these community hubs marks a major step in the SEP’s ambitions of creating a cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready Coventry. The combined results speak for themselves:

• More than 2,300 tonnes of carbon in lifetime emissions avoided – the equivalent of taking about 920 petrol cars off the road for a year
• Annual carbon savings of more than 120 tonnes
• Generating more than 306,000kWh of clean, renewable energy each year – the equivalent of 113 average UK homes – helping to power these buildings whilst reducing electricity bills
• Projected annual operating savings of £40,000, delivering more than £2.75 million in lifetime financial benefits

This initiative, supported by the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF), aims to bring lower energy bills and greater sustainability to the city.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “Public buildings in Coventry, from community hubs to leisure centres, are central to daily life for many residents. Many of these spaces have been relying on outdated, energy-intensive systems, making them costly to run. The Coventry Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) is on a mission to change this by making energy smarter, cleaner, and more affordable for all.

“These upgrades have created warmer, more comfortable, and more welcoming spaces for the people who rely on them every day. Whether it's children learning at story time, families accessing vital support, or older residents keeping active, everyone can benefit from buildings that are smarter, more sustainable, and better equipped for the future. And they are part of our commitment to provide solar on available rooftops.”

 

Natalie Keogh, Director for Heat and Cities at E.ON, added: “These buildings are more than bricks and mortar – they’re places where people come to learn, connect, and feel supported.

“Through our Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council, we’ve helped to make these spaces more comfortable, more welcoming, and more affordable to run. This is a great example of a cleaner energy system making a real difference in people’s lives, while also taking important steps toward a more sustainable future. We’re proud to be part of that journey.”

 

The six community buildings faced several common issues, including high energy consumption from outdated heating systems, poor insulation and aging infrastructure, rising energy costs and a challenge to meet long-term sustainability goals.

The approach began with detailed energy audits carried out by the city council, which helped to shape specific improvement plans for each building – delivering maximum carbon reduction, efficiency, and value. The work was completed by E.ON and the city council’s in-house team, keeping the most value within the city.

Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre (pictured) Henley Green provides fitness classes, youth sessions, and community programmes for residents of all ages to promote inclusion and active living.
Upgrades included air source heat pumps, 600+ solar PV panels, LED lighting. The work was completed in May 2025 with an investment of £1.37 million.

Foleshill Library is a vital hub in one of Coventry’s most multicultural neighbourhoods – offering books and newspapers in multiple languages, children’s story sessions, wellbeing activities, and digital skills classes.
Its outdated heating system and poor insulation, making it costly to run and uncomfortable for users. An investment of £217,000, with upgrades including new LED lighting, loft insulation, double glazing, solar panels, and an electric boiler.

Foleshill All Family Hub offers family services, support programmes and activities for children and parents.
Upgrades included LED lighting and solar PV. The work was completed with an investment of £101,000.

Coundon Family Centre

 (pictured) supports early years activities and family outreach services.
Upgrades: LED lighting and solar panels from an investment of £103,000.

Wilfred Spencer Centre provides day care opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Upgrades: LED lighting from an investment of £19,000.

Bell Green Library
Upgrades: LED lighting completed from an investment of approximately £18,000.

 

The Strategic Energy Partnership is a pioneering initiative between Coventry City Council and E.ON, focused on accelerating the city’s transition to a low-carbon future. This strategic alliance is delivering practical solutions to improve energy efficiency across Coventry’s homes, buildings, and transport systems – building a cleaner, more resilient city that is ready to lead on climate action, support economic growth, and improve quality of life for all.