Sports clubs are saving water, cutting costs and becoming more sustainable, thanks to the Energy Saving Grant.
When you think of energy-saving measures, you might imagine solar panels, LED lights or modern heating systems.
But saving water can make a big difference to your club’s bills, too.
Since 2023, 19 sports clubs in Wales have used the grant to invest in sustainable water solutions.
Capturing rain, recycling water or installing a borehole can:
- provide a sustainable water source
- lower your bills
- reduce your environmental impact
One way to make the most of Wales’ wonderful wet weather is collecting and reusing rainwater.
Keeping machinery clean at Hawarden Golf Club
Hawarden Golf Club were awarded £22,996 to install a water recycling system.
The club can now capture, treat, and reuse rainwater to clean the course machinery. This saves them hundreds of thousands of litres of water every year.
Club members feel assured that we are acting in an environmentally friendly way and take pride in the fact that precious water resources are being saved. Particularly in the summer months, when water is scarce.
"Climate change, particularly hotter temperatures and drought mean all sport has greater competition for water. Clubs should adopt sustainable water strategies in order to maintain the playability of their courses and playing surfaces.
Creating sustainable facilities at Ynystawe Cricket Club
With £25,000 of funding, Ynystawe Cricket Club has bought three tanks to collect and store rainwater. One of these uses a system to direct water to the toilets and washing machines.
The club also upgraded the guttering on the clubhouse. This will help make sure rainwater is efficiently collected.
Though the equipment has only recently been installed, they are already feeling the benefits.
Their water bills have reduced. And their volunteer gardener can water the plants without using the tap. They look forward to long-term savings on their water bills.
We would recommend any medium to large clubs to look into a similar project. But first, get an expert opinion and advice from reputable contractors.
Improving the greens at Caernarfon Golf Club
Another way your club could use the grant to save water is by funding a borehole. Boreholes are deep holes drilled to access underground water. This ‘groundwater’ is then available on demand.
Caernarfon Golf Club funded a borehole with £10,710 from the Energy Saving Grant. They can now access water from underground to water the greens in a more cost-effective and sustainable way.
It’s still early days, but the long-term goal is better quality greens due to increased watering and better grass growth.
Running costs of a golf club are ever increasing, so any savings made result in less pressure on other aspects of the budget.
"Appoint a contractor who understands your needs and has previous experience - and go for it!
Some sports, such as golf and cricket, need a lot of irrigation. In fact, golf uses 8 times more water than any other sport.
If you think your sports club could benefit from a water saving solution, the Energy Saving Grant is open until Monday 29 June 2026 for applications.
The Energy Saving Grant
Up to £25,000 grant for energy-saving improvements.