GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY
MANCHESTER AQUATICS CENTRE ACHIEVE GOLD AWARD SUMMARY Manchester Aquatics Centre have recently achieved their Gold Award for the Manchester City Council endorsed Environmental Business Pledge (EBP).
THE PROCESS Although the Aquatics Centre is already deemed environmentally aware, with a sophisticated Building Management System and a combined heat and power (CHP) system, through the strict criteria of the Environmental Business Pledge and initiation of a Groundwork Resource Efficiency Review, it was still able to make improvements in previously overlooked areas such as; staff travel, community engagement and carbon footprinting. Progression through the EBP and the delivery of a Groundwork Resource Efficiency Review has helped the centre achieve further improvements and significant long term savings.
“Environmental responsibility is important throughout Serco. We believe that the Environmental Business Pledge is an important part of our ability to demonstrate our commitment to Manchester’s overall carbon reduction strategy. “ Paul Rogers, Technical Manager Manchester Aquatics Centre
ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Groundwork MSSTT Timber Wharf 42 - 50 Worsley Street Castlefield Manchester M15 4LD Telephone 0161 220 1000 www.groundwork.org.uk/msstt
GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY THE RESULTS ff Upgraded lighting stock to LED alternatives As a result of the initial Resource Efficiency Review, a substantial amount of savings were identified, much of which was associated with their lighting improvements. LED panels have now been installed in the meeting rooms and main pool area. ff Reduction in water and energy usage As part of the Bronze and Silver Award criteria, the Aquatics Centre have clearly demonstrated that they are monitoring their energy data and have taken steps to reduce their energy and water usage. ff Increased recycling and a rise in customer environmental awareness By monitoring their waste they have looked into increasing recycling in the centre where possible and have even extended advice to customers on how they too can reduce their carbon footprint and promotes local environmental events. ff Production of a Green Travel Plan In creating a Green Travel Plan the Aquatics Centre initially conducted a staff survey which involved mapping out there the staff are travelling from and their means of travel. This has resulted in a promotion of schemes such as the lift share and cycle to work scheme.
“The EBP has given us
“We seethethis an an at WFEL opportunity to identify areas ofof our endorsement environmental aspects for current operating further improvement as well practices, and whilst as helping us to fine tune those we areworking proudwell to to a high already standard we strive to attain. have achieved the Without the help, advice Gold Environmentaland drive to achieve the awards of Business Pledge, the EBP, WFEL wouldn’t have Serco committed made theare progress it has in such a short period of time.” to continuous improvement on all aspects of our performance” Paul Rogers, Technical Manager Manchester Aquatics Centre
ff Increased staff awareness and environmental training New staff now undertake an environmental induction which covers areas such as energy efficiency, water efficiency and recycling. ff Environmental investment resulting in reduced heat loss Since 2010, the Aquatics Centre has invested a substantial amount in multiple areas aimed at reducing the centres environmental impact. This includes the installation of 2 pool covers which has helped reduce overnight evaporation for the pools and in turn reducing the water and heat required to replace what is lost. Investment has also been made in the lagging of pipes in the plant room significantly reducing heat lost from exposed pipes.
FUTURE PROSPECTS Despite the Aquatics Centre achieving the Gold EBP award Groundwork MSSTT aims to continue working with the centre to help them achieve further efficiencies and reduce their carbon footprint. Groundwork are also working with other leisure centres within Manchester such as the Sugden Sports Centre and Moss Side leisure centre who both have recently achieved the Silver EBP award.
PARTNERS
For more information contact: Jonathan Crabtree Business Services Manager Groundwork Environmental Business Services 0161 220 1020 jonathan.crabtree@groundwork.org.uk www.groundwork.org.uk/msstt