In the current era of increasing environmental awareness, gym chains and fitness centers need to prioritize sustainability in their design and operations. Does this mean they are all too become an eco gym or green fitness studio?

Clearly not but the road to tangibly reduced greenhouse gas emissions is long and the only way to get there is collectively as an industry. Planet Fitness, for example, has made significant strides in sustainability with initiatives like the WELL Health-Safety Rating, emission reduction, and energy efficiency programs.

For us, the future has to be one of sustainable fitness facilities that consider their carbon footprint, have energy efficient lighting, smart water programs, reduce plastic waste, enhance indoor air quality, and have sustainable gym equipment.

How to move towards sustainability

As a gym owner or manager, it’s essential to create a gym sustainability strategy that addresses basic factors such as energy efficiency, water management, waste efficiency, and sustainable interior design.

This comprehensive guide will outline the steps for gym owners to create a sustainability plan for a gym, fitness center, or health club chain, ensuring that your gym or fitness business’ design is not only eco-friendly but also contributes to the wellbeing of your members and the planet.

Who are we to tell a gym owner what to do? Our sister company Biofilico is a dedicated eco friendly and sustainability consultancy specializing in healthy interiors and sustainability plans.

As Biofit we promote the transition to an industry full of environmentally friendly gym businesses and eco gyms that do not necessarily wear their credentials on their sleeve. Planet Fitness was the first fitness brand to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating for all of their clubs, reflecting their dedication to creating a safe and healthy environment for their members and employees.

1. Assessing Your Current Situation

Before creating a sustainability plan, it’s crucial to assess the current state of your gym and identify areas where improvements can be made.

This may involve conducting an energy audit, evaluating water usage, and analyzing waste management practices.

Additionally, consider the overall gym design, including the materials used in the construction and the efficiency of the HVAC system, to ensure a healthy environment that prioritizes the health, wellness, and safety of both members and staff.

A. Energy Audit

Performing an energy audit helps you determine the energy consumption of your gym and identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. This may include:

• Insulation and air sealing

• Lighting systems

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

• Gym equipment

• Building envelope

B. Water Usage Evaluation

Assessing your gym's water usage allows you to identify opportunities for water management and conservation. Consider:

• Plumbing fixtures (e.g., faucets, showers, toilets)

• Cooling systems

• Cleaning practices

• Irrigation systems (if applicable)

C. Waste Management Analysis

Analyze your gym's waste management practices to identify areas for improvement in recycling, reducing, and reusing materials. This may include:

• Waste disposal methods

• Recycling programs

• Packaging and product choices

• Educational initiatives for staff and members

2. Developing a Sustainability Plan

Once you have assessed your current situation, create a comprehensive sustainability plan that outlines your goals and the steps required to achieve them.

It is crucial to implement policies and protocols that support long-term health and safety needs, ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.

This plan should include specific targets, timelines, and responsible parties for each aspect of sustainability.

A. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Reduction

Set targets for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in your gym design. This may involve:

• Retrofitting existing facilities with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems

• Choosing energy-efficient gym equipment

• Implementing energy management systems and controls

• Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels

• Minimizing energy usage during off-peak hours

B. Water Efficiency

Develop a water management plan that focuses on reducing water consumption and water waste. This may include:

• Installing low-flow fixtures in bathrooms and showers

• Implementing water-efficient cleaning practices

• Reusing water whenever possible (e.g., greywater systems)

• Regularly monitoring and repairing leaks

C. Waste Management and Recycling

Create a waste management plan that promotes recycling, reducing plastic waste, and reusing materials. This may involve:

• Implementing a comprehensive recycling program for gym members and staff

• Selecting sustainable packaging and products - eco friendly gym supplies

• Encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and towels

• Implementing education initiatives to promote waste reduction and recycling

Effective waste management practices help create a healthier environment for more members.

D. Sustainable Interior Materials

Choose sustainable materials for your gym design that are environmentally friendly and contribute to healthy indoor air quality.

Consider sustainable materials:

• Sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, or cork flooring

• Low-VOC paints and finishes

• Recycled or eco-friendly materials for gym equipment and furniture

• Natural, non-toxic insulation materials

E. Sustainable Gym Equipment

Select gym equipment that is sustainably sourced, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and made from materials that can be recycled or reused. Prioritize:

• Durable equipment with a long lifespan

• Energy-efficient cardio machines that require low to no energy use

• Gym equipment brands with robust sustainability strategies

Planet Fitness, as a leading fitness brand, prioritizes sustainable gym equipment in their facilities.

F. Indoor Air Quality

Ensure a healthy indoor environment for gym users by focusing on air quality. This may include:

• Implementing a non-toxic materials and finishes policy

• Ensuring proper ventilation and filtration systems

• Regularly monitoring and maintaining indoor air quality

3. Implementing Your Sustainability Plan

Once your sustainability plan is developed, it's essential to put it into action. This may involve:

• Allocating resources and assigning responsibilities to staff members

• Regularly monitoring and reviewing progress towards sustainability goals

• Communicating your sustainability initiatives to gym members and the wider community

• Continuously seeking new opportunities for improvement

4. Certification and Recognition

Consider pursuing sustainability certifications for your gym or fitness center, such as LEED, BREEAM, or WELL, to showcase your commitment to sustainability and gain recognition in the industry. Planet Fitness has achieved certifications that set them apart from any other fitness brand. See additional information on this subject below.

5. Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

Sustainability is an ongoing process. Continuously evaluate your gym's sustainability efforts and update your plan as needed, incorporating new technologies, strategies, and best practices to ensure long-term success.

Towards a comprehensive gym sustainability strategy

In conclusion, creating a gym sustainability strategy is an essential step for fitness centers and health club chains looking to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet.

By addressing energy efficiency, water management, waste efficiency, and sustainable gym design, you can create a green and eco friendly gym, that benefits both your members and the environment.

A note on the RESET Standard - open to eco friendly gyms and fitness facilities

The RESET standard is a groundbreaking certification program that focuses on promoting sustainability and enhancing indoor air quality in the built environment.

Developed by an international team of experts, RESET combines innovative technology and data-driven solutions to ensure that our buildings and spaces are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to the health and well-being of their occupants.

Sustainability framework

By providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating and monitoring air quality, RESET aims to create healthier, more productive, and environmentally responsible spaces for people to live, work, and play.

One of the key objectives of the RESET standard is to raise awareness about the critical importance of indoor air quality in maintaining human health and productivity.

Performance data-driven

By establishing rigorous performance criteria for ventilation, filtration, and pollutant control, RESET encourages architects, engineers, and building owners to adopt cutting-edge technologies and best practices in their projects.

In doing so, the standard addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, including climate change, resource depletion, and urbanization.

To achieve RESET AIR certification, projects must undergo a thorough assessment process that includes continuous monitoring of indoor air quality parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This data-driven approach ensures that certified spaces not only meet but also exceed industry benchmarks for sustainability and occupant comfort.

Furthermore, RESET-certified projects are required to maintain their high-performance standards over time, demonstrating a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and occupant well-being.

A note on the USGBC LEED certification for gyms and fitness facilities

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard is a globally recognized green building certification program that ensures the construction and operation of environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and healthy buildings.

This standard is applicable to various types of buildings, including gyms and fitness facilities, which play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being among communities.

LEED standards guide gyms and fitness facilities in adopting sustainable practices throughout the design, construction, and operation phases.

By adhering to these guidelines, these establishments can achieve improved energy efficiency, water conservation, enhanced indoor air quality, and reduced waste generation.

Moreover, LEED-certified gyms and fitness centers not only contribute towards environmental conservation but also provide occupants with a healthier space for exercising and achieving their fitness goals.

To achieve LEED certification, gyms and fitness facilities must meet specific prerequisites and earn points across various categories such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design, and regional priority credits.

These points are then totaled to determine the level of certification achieved – Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

Incorporating green building practices into gyms and fitness facilities can have several benefits. For instance, using energy-efficient lighting systems and HVAC equipment can result in significant cost savings on utility bills.

Additionally, improved indoor environmental quality can lead to increased member satisfaction and retention rates.

Furthermore, LEED-certified establishments can enhance their brand reputation by showcasing their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the USGBC LEED standard provides a comprehensive framework for gyms and fitness facilities to implement sustainable practices and contribute towards a greener built environment.

By achieving LEED certification, these establishments not only minimize their ecological footprint but also create healthier spaces for their occupants while enjoying numerous economic benefits.