The Trust has venues in Kendal, Ulverston and Windermere and offers a range of gymnasiums, ball courts, swimming pools, conference facilities and adventure activities which are very popular with both local communities and visitors to the Lake District.

Lakes Leisure joined the CBEN Awards scheme in 2008 with further support through the ENWORKS Resource Efficiency Programme. Following referrals from CBEN, specialist consultants from the Carbon Trust were also brought in to advise on energy options - which helped improve efficiency and reduce the Climate Change Levy. CBEN, with input from Envirowise also provided advice on measures to reduce water consumption. A recycling contractor also collects waste for recycling which takes the pressure of landfill sites and saves money.

“We run three different leisure centres each with its own unique environmental footprint. It has been really useful to have CBEN help us decide on the best options to improve environmental performance and save money. We are proud of our CBEN Gold Award for Kendal but there’s more to do and we are looking at other ways we can cut energy use, conserve water and increase recycling.” Dawn Garnett Operations Manager

Lakes Leisure has invested substantially in energy saving and water efficiency and other projects to improve performance. The Kendal site produces electricity from its own combined heat and power plant. Both Kendal and Ulverston have installed efficient lighting systems and timer devices for vending machines. Water saving devices have been fitted in wash areas and pool covers reduce overnight heat loss. Variable speed drives have been fitted to water pumps in Ulverston and recycling is the norm at all sites.

Actions so far have resulted in CO2 saving of almost 60 tonnes and reduced water use by over 180 m3.

Environmental actions and programme

• Timers on vending machines
• Energy efficient lighting
• Segregation of materials for recycling
• Water saving devices fitted to showers and toilets
• Energy management procedures
• Variable speed drives to water pumps

Annual savings so far £20,000+

Work in progress and being considered

• Rain-water harvesting
• Programme to insulate all pipe work
• PV cells and wind turbines on roof – under consideration

Potential annual savings £21,000+