Sports and leisure centres play a central role in our communities as valuable third spaces. They’re where children learn to swim, where clubs train and where friends meet to stay active. But behind the scenes, they are also some of the most energy-intensive public buildings in the UK. Heated pools, air-conditioned gyms and floodlit courts all add up to a carbon footprint that cannot be overlooked. The Water Incident Research Hub estimates that swimming pools alone are responsible for more than 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, that’s around 2% of the UK’s total. With energy bills now swallowing close to 60% of turnover for many operators, the future of these facilities depends on urgent action to cut emissions and costs.
Encouragingly, solutions are already taking shape. In Devon, a pool in Exmouth is pioneering the use of a “digital boiler,” recycling waste heat from computer servers to cover around 60% of its heating needs. In East Hampshire, Alton Sports Centre is installing solar panels and battery storage that will save 51 tonnes of CO₂ annually, the equivalent of planting more than 2,300 trees. Winchester’s new sports and leisure park has gone further still, with solar power, water recycling, heat recovery and hundreds of trees planted on site to reduce its impact from day one.
These examples show that progress is possible, and how it can pay off. Research suggests that every £1 invested in renewable energy and efficiency can return £1.70 in savings, offering facilities a way to shield themselves from volatile energy markets while reducing emissions. Policy initiatives are increasingly backing these efforts: Sport England has committed up to £16 million from its new Movement Fund to help sports organisations shrink their environmental footprint and build towards what it calls “the world’s greenest sports industry.”
This demonstrates that beyond serving as fitness venues, sports centres are living examples of community decarbonisation. A pool heated by servers, a gym with a large rooftop powered by solar, a leisure park built with sustainability at its core. These initiatives are already being implemented. The priority now is to expand and accelerate these efforts.
At Energise South Downs, we see this as a significant opportunity. By embracing renewables and efficiency, leisure facilities can safeguard their future, reduce their carbon footprint, and encourage broader community participation. Decarbonising sport is essential for maintaining the viability of our pools, gyms, and community spaces in a low-carbon future.
ESD Case Study: Energique Alton
One of the most recent examples of this transformation is right here in East Hants. Energique Health Club and Spa is a family-run fitness centre with a strong community ethos. Alongside upgrading its gym equipment, launching a new studio, and offering over 35 live classes a week, Energique has prioritised mental wellbeing, providing new members with personal support contacts and hosting free seminars and workshops for the wider community.
But Energique’s commitment extends beyond fitness and wellness. Through Energise South Down’s capital share raise, the centre has taken a major step towards decarbonisation. A 48.45 kW rooftop solar PV system will be installed in autumn 2025, with the Council leasing the roof to Energise South Downs and Energique buying the energy. The solar panels will directly supply the centre with clean, renewable energy, reducing both its carbon footprint and its exposure to rising energy prices.
For Alton, this project represents more than an energy upgrade, it’s proof of how local authorities, independent businesses and community energy groups can work together to deliver practical climate action. Energique continues to succeed as a leisure facility while demonstrating the potential for sustainable sport.
References
Digital boiler heating pools in Devon: BBC
Alton solar and battery, 51 tCO₂ savings: East Hampshire District Council
Water Incident Research Hub pool sector emissions: thewirh.com
Winchester park sustainability: Winchester City Council
Sport England green fund: Sport England
