Stories that power change
We love hearing from our customers that are making positive changes to their operations and we think you will too.
This is where we share real stories from real people who are working with us to solve challenges, hit their goals and make a difference.
Many organisations are taking steps in their energy efficiency and sustainability journey and we want to celebrate the initiatives they are implementing to support both their business and the planet.
Whether it is small wins or a long term transformation, these customer interviews give you a behind the scenes look at what is possible when the right people and the right solutions come together.
Abbeycroft: Turning ESOS into action
Abbeycroft is demonstrating how sustainability can be woven into the fabric of community-focused operations. As a not-for-profit managing 12 leisure centres across West Suffolk and Babergh, the organisation is using the ESOS framework not just to comply with regulations, but to drive meaningful environmental change. Under the leadership of Area Manager, Chloe Banham, Abbeycroft has embraced a data-led, site-specific approach to energy efficiency, balancing innovation with financial viability.
From integrating new energy saving technology to trialling new recycling initiatives, the team is exploring practical solutions tailored to each facility’s unique needs. Their efforts include reducing water waste in pools, improving air circulation, and tracking emissions and energy use to measure impact.
Crucially, Abbeycroft’s success is rooted in strong internal engagement and external collaboration. Staff across all levels are involved through carbon literacy training and sustainability pledges, while partnerships with local councils help align goals and secure funding.
This journey reflects a broader shift in how leisure providers can lead on climate action.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council: Using data to drive energy decisions
In this customer spotlight, we delve into the innovative energy projects and operational efficiency achievements of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. This forward-thinking authority has been at the forefront of implementing bold, practical solutions to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has made impressive progress in energy efficiency through a combination of solar initiatives, smart technology, and strategic planning. Since 2012, the council has invested around £2 million in rooftop solar panels , supported by the Feed-in Tariff initiative, and extended similar projects to local schools. It also launched a small-scale solar farm connected to a caravan park, where energy generation aligns with peak usage. In addition, photovoltaic systems have been integrated into council-owned housing as part of the annual roofing programme, with insulation upgrades helping to improve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.
The council’s approach goes beyond installation, focusing on training and technology to maximise impact. Facilities managers receive strategic training to optimise Building Management Systems, while tools like benchmarking and submetering help pinpoint inefficiencies. Technologies such as Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) have delivered significant energy savings by adjusting motor speeds to actual demand. Over the past year, the council has secured £6.5 million in funding, enabling nearly £17 million in project work. The leaders of these projects, Robin Barmby and Stephen Fisher advise other councils to start by reducing demand, then focus on efficiency and renewables; underscoring the importance of data analysis and benchmarking to guide decisions and prioritise interventions.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s energy journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when data, innovation, and strategic thinking come together. Their success underscores the importance of long-term vision, internal capability, and the courage to revisit and rethink legacy projects.
St Albans Community Association: How energy efficiency supports community care
St Albans Community Association runs a community centre that has been open since 1984, hosting various social and support activities for the local area. With a goal to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, the organisation comissioned an energy audit to improve their energy efficiency plans.
With advice from the audit, the association implemented upgrades such as LED lighting, improved heating controls, and adding draft excluders to doors. These changes led to lower energy bills, a reduced environmental impact, and increased awareness of sustainability among staff and volunteers. Larger recommended initiatives, such as expanding solar PV and upgrading their Building Management System, are now part of their long-term strategy, supported by funding bids.
Despite challenges, like managing energy use by external groups, St Albans is committed to fostering a culture of sustainability. Staff engagement, regular reporting, and a clear action plan are helping them balance the financial constraints felt by a not-for-profit, with long-term environmental and operational benefits.
Anglia Ruskin University: Sustainability across operations and education
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has a bold, strategic approach to sustainability. As one of the UK’s leading institutions for innovation and social responsibility, ARU is setting a powerful example for the higher education sector by embedding net zero into every aspect of university life, from operations and infrastructure to teaching, research, and community engagement.
We spoke with Simon Chubb, ARU’s Head of Sustainability, to learn how the university is navigating the complexities of decarbonisation while staying true to its mission to transform lives through education and research. In this in-depth interview, Simon shares how ARU has achieved zero carbon in Scope 2 emissions through a pioneering power purchase agreement, is investing in infrastructure upgrades to tackle Scope 1 emissions and is ambitiously targeting Scope 3 emissions by 2045.
Simon also discusses the impact of ARU Green, the university’s award-winning engagement programme that empowers students and staff to take weekly sustainable actions, saving over 100 tonnes of carbon annually. He reflects on the challenges of rising energy costs and shifting policy landscapes, and how collaboration, flexibility, and practical investment have helped ARU stay on course.
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council: How local leadership drives climate action
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is tackling climate change and embedding sustainability across its operations and community. As a local authority with responsibility for housing, planning, and environmental protection, the Council is setting a strong example by aligning its services with ambitious net zero goals.
We spoke with Kelly Murphy, the Council’s Climate Change Officer, to understand how they are driving this transformation. Following a climate emergency declaration in 2019, the Council launched its transition to net zero strategy in 2024, supported by a detailed climate action plan with over 100 actions.
The Council has committed to achieving net zero by 2030 for its own operations and by 2050 for the wider borough. Dedicated climate officers and a cabinet panel meet regularly to oversee progress, while a climate reserve fund supports new projects. Community engagement is central to their approach by signposting resources and empowering residents to adopt sustainable practices.
Challenges such as limited officer capacity are being addressed through partnerships with volunteer groups for initiatives like woodland and tree management.
Although the Council’s direct carbon footprint is relatively small, its influence is significant. By combining governance, funding, and community collaboration, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council demonstrates how local leadership can drive meaningful climate action.
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