Energy and Sustainability
We are working towards a city which is active and healthy, and provides a clean, green, and sustainable environment for everyone.
Our commitment
The combined operations of our venues are resource intensive and inevitably have an impact on the environment.
We are therefore committed to minimising this impact via continuous improvement in venue management and staff behaviour.
We are committed to making Edinburgh a healthier and greener place. We aim to educate, support, and influence everyone to integrate sustainable actions into their daily routines to reduce our collective environmental impact.
Our awards
We are delighted that the collective achievements of our the Energy and Sustainability Department, our voluntary Green Champions and Green Teams throughout the estate have won the following commendations.
Energy management and investment
We aim to reduce direct carbon emissions by 5% annually through regular reviews and efficient, renewable, or low-carbon options. Our team monitors and controls conditions within our venues to ensure optimal environments. We have exceeded our reduction targets since 2016.
Reducing our carbon footprint
Continuous investment and review of building management methods help us reduce our carbon footprint. We invest in LED lighting technologies and upgrade boilers and other equipment. Our six combined heat and power units have collectively generated 6.6 million kWh, providing efficient heating for our pools. The Edinburgh Community Solar Co-Operative has installed photovoltaic systems on our venues, producing 950,000 kWh and reducing our carbon footprint.
Waste reduction
We view waste as a resource and aim to recycle as much as possible, targeting to divert 80% of our waste from landfill. Currently, over 70% of our waste is recycled. Our waste contractor sorts and recovers recyclable items, turning the remainder into refuse derived fuel (RDF), which is then used to generate electricity. By recycling and using RDF, we divert 100% of our waste from landfill.
Plastic waste
In response to public concern, we have significantly reduced single-use plastics such as cups and straws, and discontinued blue pool shoes.
Green Plan
Our comprehensive, annually updated Green Plan, implemented in 2012, includes areas like energy and water reduction, sustainable travel, waste minimization, and innovation. Every site has a Green Champion leading initiatives to reduce our environmental impact.
Travel
We promote sustainable travel among our staff and customers. Travel surveys indicate 52% of customers drive to our venues, with the remaining 48% using less carbon-intensive modes like public transport, cycling or walking. Many staff participate in the Cycle to Work scheme or car sharing.
Green Plan achievements
We are proud of the recognition Edinburgh Leisure has achieved shown by the awards we have won. There are also many achievements we would like to highlight at individual and venue level, showcasing the commitment and passion of our staff.
- Cleaning products changed to phosphate-free, environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Bird boxes, bug hotels, dog stations made from discarded materials.
- Café food waste reduced by using leftovers for other dishes (e.g. baked potatoes for soup).
- Staff-organised litter-picks to raise awareness about local waste issues.
- Environmentally themed days/weeks included in Holiday Camps and swimming lessons.
- 1 staff herb garden, 3 community gardens (1 under construction).
- Regularly updated Green Boards at each venue to communicate environmental commitments and progress.
- Annual staff training delivered by the Energy and Sustainability Department.