Overview
Abbeycroft is a not-for-profit organisation operating 12 leisure centres across West Suffolk and Babergh. With a mission to improve health and wellbeing in their local communities, Abbeycroft is equally committed to reducing their environmental impact. Working with our energy consultants, they have embraced the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) to drive energy efficiency and carbon reduction across their estate.
The challenges
Leisure centres are energy intensive environments, with swimming pools accounting for an estimated 20-25% of total expenditure. With energy prices particularly volatile, finding ways to reduce any unnecessary energy use and cut costs was one of the biggest challenges faced by Abbeycroft. The business has also been keen to commit to a carbon neutral target and are in the stages of creating a strategy that aligns with a more sustainable approach.
Which 12 diverse sites, there is not a one size fits all approach to energy efficiency and carbon reduction. With some sites having multiple swimming pools for different uses and some with no swimming pools, the challenge was to find suitable energy efficiency initiatives for each site that balances both the financial constraints of a not-for-profit whilst creating positive change.
Our approach
TEAM supported Abbeycroft through ESOS Phase 3, helping them identify and implement practical, cost effective energy saving measures. This included comprehensive energy audits across all sites and recommendations to reduce energy waste.
Key initiatives that Abbeycroft has implemented at their sites include, introducing backwashing machines used to clean a pool’s filter by reversing the flow of water to reduce water waste.
Additionally, the organisation boarded up the rubber crumb on their 3G pitches to avoid any unnecessary waste. In some of their sites they have implemented recycling innovation with Trovr machines and are collaborating with organisations to upcycle swim gear into new products.
Abbeycroft recognises that balancing environmental goals with financial constraints can be difficult, however they are trying to find the best sources and technologies to reduce waste at their leisure centres.
Despite ESOS being a compliance scheme, Abbeycroft have used the fundamentals to create an action plan for their sustainability initiatives. Enabling them to manage their strategy and next steps as they embark on their carbon reduction journey.
Results
The results of using ESOS has been improved energy efficiency across multiple sites, reduction in water waste and enhanced staff and stakeholder engagement through carbon literacy and the introduction of environmental champions.
ESOS has helped Abbeycroft create a clear roadmap for sustainability from 2025 – 2027 and supported with the development of stronger partnerships with local councils, helping the organisations to align with funding as they work towards their shared environmental goals.
Customer insight
We are currently working with TEAM on our ESOS Phase 4. ESOS has been incredibly helpful, giving us a clear starting point, by identifying quick wins and more in-depth projects which has helped us prioritise our efforts in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Working with TEAM has been instrumental in driving our sustainability journey.
— Chloe Banham, Area Manager, Abbeycroft
Looking ahead
Future plans for Abbeycroft include implementing BMS training to optimise existing systems and exploring alternative methods for CHP units. As well as looking at innovative solutions like destratification fans to improve air circulation and temperature in their buildings.
With a strong foundation in place, the organisation is positioned to continue their journey towards carbon neutrality, supported by expert consultancy and data driven insights.
Why choose TEAM?
As a trusted net zero service partner, we empower organisations like Abbeycroft to take control of their energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence. Our collaborative, expert led approach ensures that sustainability is achievable, measurable, and aligned with long term organisational goals.