Leisure management company Leisure Connection has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after cutting its carbon emissions by 4 per cent.

The company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint included a scheme at Downham Leisure Centre in Lewisham, which saw it invest £25,000 in pool covers in March of this year. The move contributed towards an 8 per cent reduction in gas consumption.

Paul Bailey, head of property at Leisure Connection, said, "In the current climate it's essential that we remain competitive.

“Cutting carbon is a priority for us as a business and delivers tangible bottom-line benefits. We have already cut our carbon emissions by 4 per cent as part of the initiative and are committed to making further reductions in the future."

The Carbon Trust Standard is one of the first carbon awards that requires an organisation to measure, manage and reduce its carbon emissions and actually make real reductions year-on-year.

Organisations are rewarded for actions they've taken to cut carbon across their own operations.