Sustainability in Fitness: Shaping the Gyms of 2025 and Beyond

✔️ The Growing Importance of Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer an abstract issue debated by environmental scientists and activists. It’s gone mainstream, like Charli XCX and Chat GPT.

Sustainability has fundamentally shifted towards collective responsibility, and it’s no longer solely down to the individual to make the ethical choice. Companies, institutions, and organisations are now expected to help address environmental challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. The same is true for the government. The UK has declared it will be carbon neutral by 2050, effectively decarbonising the entire economy within a generation.

Gym owners and operators may feel overwhelmed by sustainability. They may expect it to be expensive and disruptive and may not believe their members care enough about it. Although the fitness industry may not be as environmentally harmful as aviation or manufacturing, it is in a strong position to lead by example.

And wouldn’t it be great if gyms could do this while attracting new members and retaining existing ones?

✔️ The Environmental Footprint of Gyms

Energy consumption is a significant global environmental challenge, and gyms can have a large energy usage footprint, especially when considering things like HVAC systems, screens, lighting, showers, etc. Despite this, the fitness industry is uniquely positioned to advocate for sustainability.

Why? The industry is inherently linked to health and wellbeing, influencing the UK’s 10.7 million gym members and the wider society.

✔️ Why Sustainability Matters to Gyms

Your current members pay for a service. What makes them choose your gym over another often depends on location, price, class offerings, equipment availability, and atmosphere. However, social consciousness has become a critical consideration in consumer decision-making in recent years.

YouGov reported that 61% of those aged 18-24 said sustainability is important when choosing a gym or leisure centre.

This trend is evident across various industries. For example, in May 2024, PwC reported that, despite rising cost-of-living concerns, consumers are willing to spend 9.7% more on sustainable goods.

While younger generations like Gen Z lead the charge in sustainability, other demographics are catching up. The World Economic Forum noted in 2022 that Generation X (born between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s) increased their interest in sustainable practices by 24% between 2019 and 2022, influenced by younger generations.

✔️ The Purpose of This Article

This paper highlights key sustainability trends, challenges, and benefits within the fitness industry. While sustainability may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t need to be. It also doesn’t have to revolve around indoor plants, yoga mats, and raw smoothies. Sustainability is an opportunity for innovation, efficiency, and positive brand-building. It’s about creating smarter operations, reducing costs, and positioning your gym as a forward-thinking leader in the fitness industry. 

The Environmental Impact of the Fitness Industry

According to the Les Mills Sustainability Report, fitness has enormous global appeal. For context, the 2018 World Cup attracted nearly half the world’s population as viewers. Similarly, fitness activities, including gym workouts, group classes, and team sports, engage millions of people and foster a growing community.

The UK fitness industry is valued at £2 billion. The 2024 PureGym Fitness Report revealed that 48% of people in the UK exercise, an increase of 3% (around 2 million people) compared to previous years. This growth is primarily driven by increasing awareness of mental and physical well-being.

✅ Rising Energy Consumption

Fitness facilities are becoming more energy-intensive as technology evolves. Modern gyms often feature more advanced equipment with integrated screens, sound systems, and lighting—all of which increase energy use. Additionally, facilities like swimming pools, saunas, and Jacuzzis require substantial energy to maintain alongside HVAC systems that regulate the gym’s environment.

✅ Industry Response

The fitness industry is stepping up to address its carbon footprint:

• The Gym Group, the UK’s second-largest low-cost gym operator, has a net-zero carbon strategy. It now purchases 100% renewable energy, has removed gas-powered water heating, upgraded to LED lighting, and eliminated single-use plastics.

• STORM Cycle Studio in Berlin uses reclaimed wood in its interiors and features electricity-generating RE:GEN bikes, which power lighting, air conditioning, and sound systems.

• David Lloyd Clubs has committed to becoming net-zero by 2030, using renewable energy contracts, implementing solar energy, and adopting innovative water management strategies.

Why Sustainability Will Be a Key Trend in 2025 and Beyond

✅ Shifting Consumer Preferences:

• Despite inflationary pressures, consumers are willing to spend 9.7% more on sustainable goods.

• 85% of respondents reported experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand.

The prevalence of climate-related disasters, combined with rising eco-anxiety (particularly among younger generations), influences consumer behaviour. People are more motivated to make environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives, including gym memberships.

✅ Regulatory and Policy Changes

Sustainability is not just a consumer-driven trend but is also enforced by government regulation. 

• The Climate Change Act mandates the UK to achieve carbon net zero by 2050, with Scotland aiming for 2045.

• The government’s 2035 Industrial Strategy emphasises green growth and energy efficiency, including provisions for businesses to improve sustainability.

• The UK’s last coal-fired power station was decommissioned in the autumn of 2024. By 2035, the UK plans to generate 100% of its electricity from low-carbon sources and has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
  
  

✅ Financial and Policy Support

There are resources available to support sustainability initiatives:

• Grant Funding: The UK Government offers funding for research, innovation, and implementation of decarbonisation strategies across sectors. For example, companies like Energym have leveraged such funding to develop electricity-generating gym equipment. Gyms may also be able to access local authority or private funding to support sustainability measures.

• Private Sector Involvement: Major investors, like BlackRock, now demand climate risk disclosures from the companies they fund.
  
  
  

✅ The Business Case for Sustainability

The Climate Change Committee recommends that businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes by:

• Maximising energy efficiency across buildings.

• Ensuring all electricity is renewable, either through on-site generation or procurement.

Proactive measures will help businesses meet legal requirements, reduce operational costs and improve brand perception.

✅ Building a Competitive Edge

Incorporating sustainability into a gym’s mission offers a competitive advantage. It helps gyms differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. For example, electricity-generating equipment can be a key feature in marketing campaigns, positioning a gym as innovative and environmentally conscious.

Beyond attracting new members, sustainability initiatives help gyms engage with local communities. Supporting local environmental projects or promoting eco-friendly habits enhances the gym's reputation as a community leader, creating a positive ripple effect.

Sustainability is also a significant factor in attracting and retaining employees. Studies show that 28% of employees check a potential employer’s sustainability practices before applying. This fosters a stronger workplace culture and builds better relationships with stakeholders.

✅ Long-Term Cost Benefits of Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just about altruism—it makes financial sense. By adopting eco-friendly practices, gyms can significantly reduce operational costs while appealing to eco-conscious members. 

Energy Savings

Switching to energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LEDs), upgrading HVAC systems, and installing renewable energy solutions like solar panels can reduce electricity bills. Significantly, gyms are uniquely positioned to adopt electricity-generating equipment, using members' workouts to offset energy consumption. 

Water Conservation

Gyms can conserve water by:

• Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets.

• Using smart irrigation systems for landscaping.  These measures lower water bills and demonstrate a commitment to responsible resource usage.

Waste Reduction

Implementing recycling programmes, eliminating single-use plastics, and refurbishing old gym equipment can minimise waste disposal costs and environmental impact. 

Government Incentives

Subsidies, grants and tax incentives for renewable energy adoption or building retrofits can help gyms offset initial investments in sustainable practices.

By adopting these strategies, gyms can reduce costs while strengthening their brand value and member loyalty.

✅ The Business Case for Sustainable Gyms

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a core expectation. According to YouGov, 51% of people consider sustainability an important factor when choosing a gym membership.

When asked about the most appealing sustainability-focused initiatives in gyms:

• 56% preferred gym equipment that captures energy from workouts.

• 37% of gym-goers who value sustainability said they would be very likely to recommend a sustainable gym.

With 60% of British people identifying climate change as the biggest threat to civilisation, it’s clear that eco-conscious practices align with consumer values.

👍 Differentiation in a Crowded Market

Sustainability can serve as a unique selling proposition (USP), allowing gyms to stand out from competitors. Early adopters of sustainable practices can also position themselves as industry leaders.

👍 Resource Efficiency: An Investment with Returns

Improving energy efficiency is often seen as a long-term investment. An energy audit can help gyms identify areas of inefficiency and highlight both high-cost and low-cost measures. 

• Energy-Saving Equipment: Energy-efficient machines, such as those with sleep modes for off-peak hours, can reduce consumption without affecting member experience.

• Electricity-Generating Equipment: Kinetic energy from workouts can be converted into electricity to power the gym, especially during peak times.

Even minor improvements in energy efficiency—like upgrading older equipment or using LED lighting—can have significant long-term benefits.

Practical Sustainable Solutions for Gyms

💡 Lighting and Temperature Control

• Replace traditional bulbs with LED lighting, which lasts longer and reduces energy costs by up to 70%.

• Install motion sensors in low-traffic areas like bathrooms and locker rooms to prevent lights from staying on unnecessarily.

• Use smart thermostats to optimise heating and cooling based on gym usage patterns.
  
  

💡 Building Efficiency

• Insulate walls, ceilings, and windows to minimise energy loss.

• Use double-glazed or Low-E (low-emissivity) windows to reduce heating and cooling demands.

• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and ventilation systems to prevent energy leaks.
  
  

💡 Water Usage

• Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets in locker rooms.

• Use energy-efficient pumps, LED underwater lights, and pool covers for gyms with pools to minimise heating and evaporation losses.

• Consider recycling water from showers for irrigation or toilet flushing.

💡 Renewable Energy Solutions

• Install solar panels or partner with utilities to source renewable energy, such as wind or hydroelectric power.

• Electricity-generating equipment, like bikes and treadmills, can store power during peak hours.

💡 Smart Energy Management Systems

• Track real-time energy consumption to identify inefficiencies.

• Automate systems like lights and HVAC to adjust based on occupancy.

💡 Natural Resources and Waste Management

• Maximise natural light with large windows or skylights to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

• Use flooring made from recycled or sustainable materials for better insulation and lower environmental impact.

• Reduce waste by offering recycling bins and encouraging members to bring reusable water bottles.
  
  

💡 Community Engagement

• Educate staff and members about energy-saving practices, such as turning off machines after use.

• Offer rewards for members using off-peak hours to balance energy loads.

⚡Innovation in Fitness Technology: Harnessing Human Power

As gyms move toward sustainability, one untapped resource offers enormous potential: human power. Each workout on stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and ellipticals produces mechanical energy. This energy can be converted into electricity. Unlike other industries where sustainability requires significant shifts in consumer behaviour, the beauty of electricity-generating gym equipment lies in its seamless integration into the member experience. Members continue to enjoy the same workouts they expect: intense, engaging, and rewarding while contributing to environmental goals. Equipment such as the RE:GEN bike enhances this experience further with features like digital resistance and functional threshold power (FTP) tracking.

For gym owners, this means they can adopt sustainable practices without compromising member satisfaction. It presents an opportunity to deepen engagement by showcasing how each workout directly improves the gym's energy efficiency. Members take pride in their contributions, fostering a sense of community and strengthening loyalty.

The Technology Behind Energyms Electricity-Generating Equipment

While converting human power into electricity isn’t a new concept, recent innovations in microgeneration technology have made it more practical and efficient for gyms to adopt. The RE:GEN feature patented systems maximise energy capture and storage, allowing facilities to harness more power than ever before. 

Indoor cycling, in particular, is ideal for energy generation due to:

👍 Consistent Usage: Indoor classes run frequently, providing a reliable flow of energy production.

👍 Group Dynamics: Gym running sessions with 40 riders can expect to generate around 3.7 kWh per class. For context, the average treadmill uses around 0.9kWh of electricity per hour, so one class of 40 people will power four treadmills for one hour.

👍 High Intensity: Classes often involve high-resistance workouts, generating more power per session.

👍 Inclusivity: Stationary bikes are accessible to individuals across fitness levels, and marketing them as eco-friendly broadens their appeal, particularly to sustainability-minded members.

By focusing on high-impact activities like indoor cycling, gyms can maximise the benefits of electricity-generating equipment and make meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

Barriers to Adoption and Strategies to Overcome Them

1. High Initial Costs

Concern: “The upfront investment in sustainability is too expensive. How long will it take to see ROI?”

Many gym owners hesitate due to the perceived cost of sustainable upgrades, such as energy-efficient equipment, lighting, or renewable energy solutions. While initial expenses can be high, these investments can significantly impact utility bills. For example, LED lighting can cut costs by up to 70%, while smart thermostats can reduce HVAC expenses by 10-15%.

Instead:

• Explore local or national subsidies, grants, and tax incentives for green initiatives.

• Explore the long-term financial benefits and potential for increased member retention. This could be a USP worth pursuing.

2. Perceived Minimal Impact

Concern: “Do sustainable practices really make a difference, or is this just greenwashing?”

The fear of “greenwashing” is valid. Gym owners may worry that their efforts will seem insubstantial or fail to deliver measurable results.

Instead:

• Quantify the benefits: Demonstrate how energy-efficient HVAC systems reduce energy use by up to 30% or how spin classes powered by RE:GEN bikes decrease reliance on the grid.

• Highlight industry examples, such as Pure Gym reducing carbon emissions by 12% per facility or CrossFit Perpetua achieving 70% energy savings with LED lighting.

3. Maintenance and Reliability Concerns

Concern: “Will sustainable equipment require more upkeep or be less reliable?”

New technologies often raise maintenance concerns. However, most sustainable solutions are designed for durability and ease of use. For example, LED lighting requires less frequent replacement than traditional bulbs, reducing maintenance costs and disruption.

Instead:

• Partner with vendors offering warranties, service packages, and staff training for smooth implementation

• Research different options and read how others in the industry have found the experience of becoming more sustainable. For example, CrossFit Perpetua reduced its maintenance challenges by upgrading to more reliable, sustainable lighting.

4. Space and Infrastructure Limitations

Concern: “Will sustainability upgrades require major renovations?”

Not all sustainable changes require extensive remodelling. Many high-impact initiatives, such as improving insulation or eliminating single-use plastics, can be implemented with minimal disruption.

Instead:

• Start small: Focus on low-barrier projects like recycling programmes or water-efficient fixtures before moving to larger infrastructure changes.

• Consult sustainability experts for tailored recommendations. Conducting an energy audit may be a good place to start so you have a baseline to measure progress.

5. Member Experience Concerns

Concern: “Will these changes negatively affect my members?”

Sustainability initiatives often enhance, rather than detract from, member experience. For example, electricity-generating bikes like the RE:GEN don’t disrupt workouts—instead, they enhance them.

Instead:

• Highlight the benefits: Show members how their participation reduces energy consumption. Use metrics or real-time displays on equipment to provide immediate feedback.

• Collect and share positive feedback from members who appreciate the gym’s eco-friendly initiatives.

6. Uncertain Member Demand

Concern: “Is there really a demand for sustainable gyms?”

Eco-consciousness is on the rise, especially among younger generations. Studies show that a majority of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Instead:

• Host sustainability workshops or fitness challenges to engage members.

• Position your gym as a forward-thinking leader, leveraging sustainability to differentiate from competitors who may focus solely on price.
  
  
  

🎯 Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Imagine a gym where every piece of cardio equipment generates electricity, solar panels power HVAC systems, and water recycling systems minimise resource waste. Members actively contribute to the gym’s energy production with every workout, while AI-powered energy management systems optimise efficiency in real-time. Carbon-neutral gyms are within reach, combining renewable energy solutions with carbon offset programmes to achieve net-zero emissions.

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact—it’s a pathway to operational efficiency, innovation, and a stronger connection with members. By embracing technologies like electricity-generating bikes or looking at ways to improve energy efficiency, gyms can create a greener future while delivering a superior member experience.

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