Think Fit in the UK undertook an ambitious programme to improve its energy health score and turn around its approach to the environment, comfort and health of its members.

Fitness clubs are generally heavy users of water and electricity. But some simple refits like low-water plumbing fixtures and motion sensors, as well as smarter choices of materials used around the club can create a win-win for the environment and for the fitness club.

Tink Fit found main areas for improvement in energy efficiency, lighting design, and water efficiency. Energy efficiency was optimized through better insulation, requiring much less energy to heat and cool the premises, and window placement with overhangs to prevent heat gain during the warmer months of the year. More efficient lighting (LEDs or fluorescents) was another measure to save on energy, costs and maintenance. Occupancy motion sensors, daylight sensors and shut-off control systems were also identified to help cut energy costs even more.

Water efficiency was reached with the installation of water-saving fixtures that could reduce water usage by 30% with no reduction in volume and pressure. Through implementation of this new method Think Fit also saved energy used to (re)heat the water.

Key results

The health club saved up to 70 % off its energy bill by implementing some straightforward heating and lightning measures:

The gym installed a new boiler, energy sensors and energy-efficient LED lighting which brightened up the gym and cut yearly lighting costs by ~ £ 3 300 (~€ 3 400).

New aerating shower heads and percussion taps were fitted which saved around £ 700 (~€ 800) off the gym’s water bill.

Paper towels were replaced by hand driers, which cut the gym’s waste and were repaid in two years.