"Evidence shows that remaining as active as possible helps with the management of cancer" – Andrew Power, Swim England

Russell Barnes / Photo: David Lloyd Leisure

As we review the impact of COP27 and consider the challenges presented by climate change, David Lloyd Leisure has set a target of becoming carbon net zero by 2030 – 20 years ahead of the current UK target – by establishing five key areas to help us deliver the company’s goals.

We’re making changes throughout our operations, including generating renewable energy on site, reducing indirect emissions in the supply chain, reducing overall water and energy consumption, using sustainable modes of transport and reducing plastic use and waste.

The company has invested £20m in energy efficient technology, including low-energy LED lighting on tennis courts and overhauled heating and cooling systems. Solar panels are being installed in a number of clubs which will result in the generation of 20 per cent of the energy required. We’ve switched to green energy, with 100 per cent of our UK electricity now coming from renewable sources, and are the first health club in the UK to gain a water self-supply license.

We’re always striving to make a positive impact on the environment and the communities in which we operate, and the steps we’ve taken so far have resulted in a reduction of 10,000+ tonnes of CO2, which equates to over 10,200 flights to New York and back.

There’s so much more to be done and we’ll continue to prioritise tackling climate change across all our clubs.

Further actions we’re going to be taking over the next 12 months include trialling energy efficient showers, rolling out solar panels to other clubs, and installing air source heat pumps to remove 70 per cent of club carbon emissions, while fitting EV charging points across our clubs.

We’ll also be reducing single-use items and placing recycling bins in every club and launching a ‘lights off’ initiative to reduce energy waste.

Gareth Kirk / Photo: GLL

Leisure facilities play a crucial role within local communities, not only facilitating physical health but also offering somewhere to socialise, interact with others and improve mental health.

With inflation and utility prices surging, despite some Government support, this winter will undoubtedly be one of the most challenging for our industry. It’s also presenting real hardship for many of our customers, particularly those on lower incomes.

As a charitable social enterprise, GLL is committed to making a difference and supporting local people. We’ve, therefore, decided to offer some of the leisure centre cafes and libraries we operate as dedicated warm spaces this winter. Anyone – not just our leisure centre or library members – will be able to visit our nominated leisure facilities to keep warm, use the free wifi, charge their phones and even to have a hot shower, while our libraries will provide free books, newspapers and magazines, along with the use of computer terminals.

At a national level we’re supported by Age UK and have partnered with our catering supplier Brakes, which has generously agreed to donate tea, coffee and biscuits to this initiative. At grassroots level we’re working with our local authority partners and other organisations, such as Citizens Advice and food banks, so together we can support the most vulnerable during these extraordinary times.