Green Achievements

“To minimise the impact of our activities on the environment and in naturally occurring systems”

Percentage changes in utility consumption is detailed below. These figures compare 2008 consumption to 2007 and are for the two sites in Bolton where we have full control over utility consumption and bills.

As a result of our initiatives, we have significantly reduced our CO₂ emissions – over Farnworth and Horwich Leisure Centres 277 fewer tonnes of CO₂ emissions were created in 2008 compared to 2007. This is a significant achievement and something which we are very proud of.

What we did

• Good housekeeping to ensure energy/water is not being used unnecessarily or wastefully. These procedures are the ‘norm’ with all staff playing their part.
• Colour coded lighting and fan panels to assist with on/off times, reducing unnecessary use.
• Motion-sensor/dusk-sensor operated lighting.
• Cleaning windows, maximising natural light.
• Adjusting heating/cooling temperatures, including pool water.
• Using natural ventilation.
• Mechanical and engineering strategies.
• Conference calls to reduce environmental impacts associated with travel, and allow us to share energy saving ideas/actions with other sites and our partners.
• Vending machines have had timers fitted, so they turn off overnight. Using Carbon Trust figures, estimated yearly savings of £926 will be made over 12 machines.
• Water savers have been installed in toilets; reducing flush volume by 1 litre.
• Insulation, some of which was highlighted with thermal imaging; key insulation includes pool filters, which saves up to £20,000/696,000kw p.a., hot water pipes and valves, boilers and our under-croft plant areas.
• Installing energy efficient lighting.
• All plant/equipment is subject to regular, planned, maintenance to ensure it is running effectively and efficiently.