Best Examples of Sustainable Gyms: Industry Sustainability Reports UK — Gym Designers + Fitness Consultants
SUMMARY NOTES
Here we review four UK gym brand sustainability reports by The Gym Group (UK), Pure Gym (UK), David Lloyd (UK) and Nuffield Health.
We see a clear focus on reducing energy consumption across the board, with water efficiency and waste management completing the Big Three of sustainability objectives. Eco gyms emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency, utilizing energy-producing equipment and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Sustainable materials in gym interiors and, eventually gym equipment, looks set to the next frontier.
There is a shift to indoor air quality concerns at the premium end of the industry but we see little evidence of that in these four case studies.
Sustainable fitness is becoming increasingly important, with a focus on prioritizing sustainability in gym design and operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and using sustainable gym equipment to minimize carbon footprint.
THE GYM GROUP - UK's FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL ECO GYM CHAIN
The Gym Group has aligned its sustainability efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), reflecting their commitment to being environmentally responsible - an essential step in any gym sustainability strategy.
Their Sustainability Report for 2020 reflects that focus, specifically in the areas of reducing energy use, water efficiency, and waste management.
It must be said however that 2020 brought forth an unexpected challenge in COVID 19, resulting in an increase in waste and a reduction in both energy efficiency and water efficiency.
energy reduction measures at the gym group
As part of their sustainability plan, The Gym Group has made significant efforts in energy reduction, aiming to reduce its carbon emissions and environmental impact by implementing a new energy-efficient design and procuring energy from renewable sources - see the United Nations SDG Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy.
In 2019, the company purchased 100% renewable power for all of their sites in which they have control over the source of that energy.
Overall in 2020 the company’s renewable fuel mix was characterized by 47.8% bio energy, 32.7% wind, 11.7% photovoltaic, and 7.8% hydropower (making the energy 100% renewable).
When their sites closed during COVID they made sure energy consumption was at a minimum during lockdowns.
A switch to highly energy efficient LED lighting across their sites meant that as of 2020 93% of their estate now operates with full LED lighting set-ups, it was only COVID issues that prevented them from completing all sites
water efficiency measures at the gym group
In their sustainability plan for 2020, water efficiency measures at The Gym Group were focused on typical shower, WC, washbasin, and cleaning requirements.
All bathroom taps and showers are either electronically timed for their operation or non-concussive (self-closing) as a way to reduce overuse / waste.
Due to COVID, The Gym Group had to close the small number of saunas and steam rooms, decreasing overall water usage, a situation that apparently prompted internal discussions around keeping them closed in future or removing them from the gym facility list.
waste efficiency measures at the gym group
Due to Covid, The Gym Group saw an overall increase in waste production across their portfolio of sites due to the increased hygiene measures involving sprays, liquids, paper towels and of course masks.
To manage this, they implemented recycling bins for different recyclable materials such as cans, glass bottles, plastics, and paper as part of their waste management strategy. The company combated this increase by providing members with a sustainable “blue roll” and sanitizer spray, both of which are more easily recyclable than their previous supplies.
For staff, they provided an electronic solution to all paper-based hygiene processes and sustainable use of printer cartilages.
For the three complete months after reopening post lockdown, The Gym Group calculated approximately 90% waste collection increase only 54% of which was recyclable, highlighting the issues around such extreme (yet necessarily for human health and wellbeing) hygiene protocols.
https://www.thegymgroup.com/gym-sustainability/
PureGym sustainability report
PureGym has been making admirable progress in developing an effective sustainability strategy over recent years, positioning themselves as a leader in the fitness industry by hiring a dedicated senior resource to lead the team’s gym sustainability efforts (a fundamental step clearly), as well as being managed by the Risk and Sustainability Action Team (RSAC) that meet four times annually to assess progress and provide recommendations on gym sustainability strategy. Their focus is primarily on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), energy efficiency, and water reduction.
energy efficient lighting measures at puregym gyms
As set out in the Strategic Report, the gym company’s directors seek to promote a culture of environmental sustainability throughout the business which is primarily about an energy-efficient approach to the design and management of their gyms.
Pure Gym plans to fit out their gym spaces with energy-saving LED lighting and sustainable gym equipment, as well as energy-saving fitness equipment (cardio machines being the main drain on energy, clearly), as well as sustainable materials (more details on this would be useful in future so we’re keeping our eyes peeled!).
Additionally, the company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were analyzed and the majority come from the purchase of gas and electricity to power their gyms, since October 2020 they’ve been purchasing 100% renewable power from wind energy - something made possible by the relative availability of such options in the UK energy grid.
David Lloyd health clubs - sustainability report
David Lloyd is Europe’s leading health, sports, and leisure group. Recognizing the growing relevance of a sustainability policy for such gym businesses, they have acted to reduce the amount of waste produced in each of their clubs while increasing the use of sustainable materials, including eco friendly gym supplies such as sustainable yoga mats and foam rollers (again, we believe this is an area with massive untapped potential for gym sustainability plans so would welcome further disclosures on this company’s efforts).
The group has a “2030 Net Zero Carbon Commitment” which states that across all their clubs they plan to add no more greenhouse gases than they remove, not just on-site in their clubs but throughout their supply chain.
a gym sustainability plan for the future
To make this commitment a reality they plan to employ the use of renewable technology to decarbonize their heat usage, including the incorporation of solar panels to generate clean energy. They aim to keep carbon generation low, improve their waste management policies and increase recycling rates, while also developing a green travel policy, encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport, and embedding sustainable gym design principles into their future refits and new build gym construction projects.
health club energy efficiency measures
In 2019-2020, the group made the switch to renewable energy purchasing contracts. This action saved over 10,000 tonnes of CO2e, which significantly reduced the overall group carbon emissions.
They have also implemented the use of solar PV. This project will generate 20% of the club’s electricity to further reduce future costs and carbon emissions. The impact of this action is the reduction of 50 tonnes of Co2e per year.
Additionally, they have optimized air conditioning systems for energy efficiency as part of their energy efficiency measures.
The group has also started a project called “Utility Capex” which was started in 2018. This 8-million-euro investment incorporated LED technology upgrades to tennis court lighting, BMS systems, and improvements to heating and cooling infrastructure. This project saved 3,500 tonnes of CO2e during 2019.
health club Water efficiency measures
In regards to their health club water efficiency measures, David Lloyds became the first company in the UK's health and leisure sector to be granted a self-supply license from the water industry regulator.
By self-supplying their water, they can manage water resources more efficiently. This gives them complete control over their water consumption.
The group also holds double accreditation for the Carbon Trust Standard. In 2020, they were awarded the certification for carbon and water in recognition of their work measuring, managing, and reducing their environmental impact annually.
Nuffield Health - sustainability report
Nuffield Health is a registered health charity with 37 award-winning hospitals and 114 fitness and wellbeing clubs. With so many sites it can be challenging to maintain a sustainable approach to gym operations without the time and resources to implement a strategic sustainability plan - which is exactly the opportunity the Covid-19 shutdown provided for the Nuffield team. They have also started using recycled materials in gym equipment and flooring as part of their sustainability efforts.
They were, it seems, able to step back, review their operational impact on the environment and put together a sustainability action plan. Two main areas of change include its carbon footprint and its waste management - in particular recycling.
energy efficiency and carbon emissions in a gym sustainability plan
The reopening of Nuffield Health facilities brought an opportunity to switch to 100% renewable energy sources for their electricity - specifically this was 99% natural resources and 1% nuclear (the UK has a relatively modest nuclear energy make-up on its grid overall). Nuffield Health's focus on renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions aligns with the concept of an eco gym, which prioritizes sustainability in fitness facilities to reduce environmental impact and attract customers.
With this new change, it saw an 18.33% reduction in carbon emissions annually, and a 35% reduction in combined carbon annually.
waste management and recycling bins in a gym sustainability plan
Nuffield Health’s sustainability task force also focused heavily on increasing recycling efforts. Before the pandemic, recycling rates were at 40%. Whereas after reopening, they saw a 6% decrease, to 34%. They have also taken initiatives to reduce plastic waste, such as eliminating plastic food containers and wrappings.
This was done by pushing the “Good Recycling” guidelines within their member community and making changes wherever they could. News of the “Good Recycling” initiative was spread via posters and word of mouth. Employees were informed of good recycling habits.
Tangible changes were made in the group’s many cafeterias for recycling. When reopening, 100% fully compostable recycled packaging was introduced to all 75 sites. This eliminates plastic food containers and wrappings.
The kitchen also introduced a new sustainable technique for food preparation- cross-pollination. Cross-pollination is a technique used in the Nullified Health cafeteria to reduce food waste. It redesigns the menu to offer dishes that use many of the same ingredients as a way to reduce the risk of producing food waste of short shelf-life ingredients.