The Gym Group is the UK’s first carbon neutral gym chain

‍Includability Committed Employer committed to sustainably reducing carbon emissions

A very well done to our Includability Committed Employers, The Gym Group, for becoming the first UK gym chain to achieve carbon neutral status.

The Gym Group is a purpose-led organisation committed to break down barriers to fitness for everyone. Sustainability is massively important to this ambition because they care about members living healthier and more rewarding lives within the natural balance of the planet.

With over 230 gyms across the UK, and at such a huge moment for tackling climate change, sustainability at the top of their priority list for improving their community for the benefit of their members.

What is the net zero targets?

The Gym Group are committed to achieving a near term target of 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and decarbonising these emissions by 2035. They have also committed to a science-based target to achieve net zero by 2045 - Form a 2019 baseline.

Reduction in scope 3 emissions by 54% per gym by 2030 and 97% per gym by 2045 to achieve the absolute long-term target of 90% reduction for scope 1, 2 and 3 which is aligned with the UK government’s commitment for grid decarbonisation as published in 2021.

The Gym Group said, "We are keen to put our money where our proverbial mouth is and are also offsetting their current carbon emissions by investing in high-quality offsetting projects carefully selected and certified by internationally recognised bodies."

What is The Gym Group’s carbon neutral strategy?

The wellbeing chain know there’s only one path to net zero and that’s by reducing our carbon emissions and the group have a plan to achieve this:

• Purchasing 100% renewable energy and are committed to continuing to do so
• Remove all gas for water heating in gyms over coming years
• Replaced all lighting in gyms with LED lights
• Plan to upgrade and network building control systems
• Having a high-quality maintenance programme in place to ensure all our equipment is working as efficiently as possible
• Working on reducing our waste to landfill, currently able to recycle 95% of waste in 2021
• Constantly reviewing and improving the design and fit out of our gyms to ensure maximum energy efficiency (e.g. solar energy in Cambridge, EV charging in Northampton, using condensation from air-conditioning to flush toilets)
• Removing single use plastic from vending machines and other sources (e.g. Cardboard boxes for locks, biodegradable plastic for towels)
• Conduct frequent energy audits across our operations
• Installing high efficiency showers

With more examples in their 2021 Sustainability Report.

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