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As energy prices climb, staff costs rise, and local authority budgets tighten, leisure centres across the UK are navigating choppy waters. Nowhere is this pressure felt more acutely than in facilities with swimming pools. These highly valued public assets are also among the most energy-intensive parts of any leisure operation, with heating, ventilation, water treatment, pumps and lighting systems operating almost constantly. According to a Lords report, between 2021 and 2024, 77 local authority managed leisure centres across the UK closed, many citing increases in utility costs as a contributing factor. In 2023, a medium sized operator of public leisure centres announced that it's utility costs had increased from £8m in 2021 to an estimated £24m in 2024. Yet, despite these pressures, swimming pools remain a vital part of the health and wellbeing infrastructure in our communities. The challenge is to safeguard their future by reducing operational costs and environmental impact while maintaining, or ideally improving, comfort and safety for bathers. This is where a focused, evidence-led approach to energy efficiency becomes not just a sustainability initiative, but a financial and operational necessity. Understanding the Challenges Operators of swimming pools in the public and private sectors are facing a perfect storm: Rising utility costs : Volatile energy markets and increasing wholesale prices mean that the cost of running a pool is often the single largest line item in an operator's budget. Ageing infrastructure : Many leisure centres were built decades ago, with plant and building fabric now well beyond their optimal design life. Staffing pressures : Increased employer National Insurance contributions, inflationary wage growth, and recruitment challenges in technical and operations roles strain budgets further. Local authority cuts : For council-run sites or those operated under local authority contracts, budget reductions mean less funding for capital improvements, making it harder to invest in long-term savings. In this environment, energy efficiency isn't just about sustainability; it is core to financial survival. Ten Focus Areas for Energy Efficiency in Swimming Pool Operations edenseven have worked with a wide range of leisure operators across the UK, from large national chains, local authority and privately run leisure centres and single-site independents. While every facility is unique, there are ten consistent focus areas that can help reduce costs and improve user experience.  1. Pool Hall Air Handling Systems Air handling units (AHUs) that serve the pool hall are often some of the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment in a leisure centre. Retrofitting systems with high-efficiency heat recovery, variable speed fans, and improved controls can yield significant savings. Maintaining optimal humidity and air temperature also reduces condensation and improves comfort and reduces building degradation. 2. Pool Water Heating and Temperature Management Upgrading boiler systems or integrating renewable sources such as heat pumps can drastically reduce energy usage. Modern controls, temperature stratification management, and insulation of pipework all contribute to system efficiency. Managing water temperatures to an optimal level reduces the need for backwashing. Higher pool water temperatures lead to increased microbiological growth and a higher need for backwashing and chemical dosing. 3. Lighting Efficiency LED lighting retrofits, particularly in pool halls and plant rooms, provide rapid returns on investment. Coupled with intelligent lighting controls (e.g., occupancy sensors in changing villages and toilets, and daylight dimming), this can lower costs while enhancing visibility and safety. 4. Building Fabric and Insulation Improved insulation of walls, roofs, and glazing can reduce heat loss, especially in pool halls where thermal demand is constant. Draught-proofing and maintenance of seals around windows and doors are low-cost measures that can have a noticeable impact. 5. Water Treatment System and Backwash Optimisation Advancements in filtration and chemical water treatment technologies, such as glass-media filtration and UV treatment, can reduce the need for chemical dosing and water changes. Smart controls help optimise chemical usage, water balance, and backwash schedules, lowering energy and water consumption. 6. Pool Covers and Evaporation Management Heat loss due to evaporation is one of the largest energy drains in any pool. High-quality, well-fitted pool covers can reduce overnight losses dramatically. Automatic covers also improve usability and safety. Consideration should be given to using surplus heat from other parts of the operation or other local businesses if possible - data centres or industrial processes could prove to be ideal partners. 7. Smart Controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) Many leisure centres are under-utilising their existing BMS or lack one altogether. Integrating systems and enabling real-time monitoring and automated control can unlock both energy and operational efficiencies. 8. Renewable and Low Carbon Technologies On-site solar PV, air or ground source heat pumps, and battery storage can help offset rising energy prices. While capital intensive, these measures may qualify for grant support or financing options that align with local authority decarbonisation plans. 9. Staff Training and Customer Engagement Empowering staff with energy awareness training and involving them in optimisation routines often leads to behavioural changes that enhance the impact of technical interventions. From plant operators to lifeguards, everyone has a role to play. Engaging with customers to shower before using the pool reduces biological loading and the need for chemicals and backwashing, saving water, energy and chemicals. 10. Data Monitoring and Continuous Improvement You can't manage what you don't measure. Installing sub-metering, using analytics platforms like cero.earth, and setting performance benchmarks allows leisure centre operators to track progress and target interventions more precisely. This data-led approach drives accountability and long-term success. Planning the Journey: From Audit to Action There is no one-size fits all solution, but there is a process. Most successful transformations start with a detailed energy and plant condition audit, tailored to the unique operational profile of the site. From here, a prioritised action plan can be developed, balancing short-term wins with longer-term investments. Understanding funding routes for public sector managed facilities is also critical. Many operators overlook opportunities for central government or local authority-backed capital funding. Our team has supported clients in identifying and securing funding through schemes such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and local net-zero initiatives. Crucially, implementation must be done in a way that minimises disruption to operations and maintains health and safety standards. That means working closely with operational staff, technical teams, and supply chains. A Sustainable Future for Swimming At edenseven we believe that every leisure centre and swimming pool in the UK can be part of a more sustainable future, one where communities continue to benefit from the physical and mental wellbeing that swimming pools and leisure centre facilities offer, without shouldering unsustainable costs. Our role as a sustainability consultancy is not to offer off-the-shelf solutions, but to partner with clients to understand their context, build the right roadmap, and support delivery at every stage. From strategic advice and audits, through to technical specification and project management, our credibility is built on a track record of helping leisure operators navigate these exact challenges. If you are responsible for a facility that includes a swimming pool, now is the time to act, come and talk to us . Rising costs are unlikely to reverse themselves, but with the right expertise and a structured approach, they can be managed and even turned into opportunities to improve performance and bather comfort, engage with you customers and improve your leisure centre’s environmental impact.

Managing Partner, Pete Nisbet, explains more: Over 80% of consumers say they're willing to pay more for sustainable products. But here’s the catch: trust is fragile . Too many claims are vague, inconsistent, or unverifiable. And consumers are noticing. Greenwashing isn’t just a PR problem, it’s a business risk. Transparency and accountability are no longer optional. Credible data, third-party verification, and measurable outcomes are essential. They don’t just protect you, they future-proof your business. Because once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild. Over half of consumers say they’d stop buying from brands they believe mislead on sustainability. That’s not just reputational damage, it’s lost customers, investment, and talent. Why does this matter? For People: When companies walk the talk, people benefit through better working conditions, local job creation, and access to more ethical, healthier products. Trust builds loyalty. Transparent, credible action forges stronger relationships between businesses and the people they serve. For Profit: Sustainability isn’t a cost, it’s a growth strategy. Sustainable products grew 2.7x faster than conventional ones between 2015 & 2019. Over $30 trillion is now invested in ESG assets, and is expected to reach $40 trillion by 2030. For the Planet: The climate crisis is happening now. We need bold, credible action, not just pledges. Science-based targets, circular design, and effective net-zero strategies are essential. Turning Ambition into Action: At edenseven, we design, build, and implement sustainability strategies that deliver. We consistently see these benefits for the clients we work with: reducing costs, proving impact to customers and investors, and cutting regulatory risk. Most importantly, we help minimise your impact on the planet. If you want to see how much of an impact we can make for your business, send us a message! We’ll help you turn genuine sustainability efforts into clear, credible results that future-proof your business and resonate with your customers & key stakeholders.

On March 5th, 2025, Sustainability and FM Leaders captured the attention of Business Directors. By signing their Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Action Plans, they collectively endorsed a strong business case with tangible opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs, all in preparation for the reporting period ending on December 5th, 2027. Few businesses would dispute the benefits of focusing on energy efficiency. It not only reduces operational costs and enhances profitability but also contributes to decarbonisation efforts - an increasingly important factor for sustainability-conscious employees, customers, and shareholders. Time to Unlock Savings From Your List of ESOS Measures As part of Phase 3, approximately 11,900 UK businesses submitted their ESOS reports in August 2024. These were followed by the required Action Plans on March 5th, 2025. Moving forward, businesses must submit annual progress reports in the final Phase 4 assessment on the December 5th, 2027. The latest government guidance indicates that, instead of using the ESOS portal, companies subject to SECR may "report progress annually via the energy efficiency narrative section in SECR reports." (This flexibility depends on parliamentary time and scrutiny). Regardless of the method, demonstrating effective management of the Action Plan’s implementation is both a regulatory requirement and a best practice." A Business Case Approach to Prioritise Interventions edenseven's extensive experience in supporting customers with ESOS compliance has been overwhelmingly positive. Businesses were given the opportunity to tailor their energy-saving actions to align with their unique needs and strategies. Notably, ESOS guidance doesn't mandate a minimum number of Measures in the Action Plan. However, there is a hint of a reputational impact from September 2025, when the Environment Agency will publish action plans, including of companies that have not committed to any Measure. A well-structured action plan can significantly enhance a company's credibility. Businesses have the flexibility to choose energy-saving initiatives that align with their specific needs, considering factors such as budget, lifecycle assessments, estate strategy, and fleet procurement cycles. By thoughtfully balancing these considerations with broader sustainability goals, companies can achieve meaningful progress while maintaining financial and operational stability. Expertise and Tools to Make it Happen in Phase 4 With Phase 4 of ESOS now fully underway, meticulous planning and well-supported investment decisions are essential. Companies must build robust business cases that integrate technical, regulatory, and financial considerations. In response to this need, edenseven has advanced its cero.earth carbon accounting & management platform by introducing a dynamic Project Forecasting and Management module. Project Forecasting and Management Module cero.earth ’s project tools serve as a comprehensive database of all potential projects, enabling real-time impact analysis, including: Cost and savings projections CO2 emissions reductions Energy Use Intensity improvements These tools enable businesses to forecast the financial costs and benefits of their approved measures within an agreed timeframe. For example, a CFO can review scenario options that highlight the financial and environmental advantages of initiatives such as HVAC retrofitting, solar PV installation, or even building decommissioning.  Monitoring Energy Performance for ESOS Requirement Together with SECR Reporting cero.earth is already configured to automatically generate Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) reports. While the Environment Agency has outlined the content expectations for the December 2025 progress update, formatting requirements remain unspecified. edenseven remains agile in supporting customers with both insights and tools to streamline their reporting. Prepare for the Future with edenseven The transition to a more sustainable business model requires proactive planning and strategic execution. Get in touch today to learn how edenseven can support your journey towards compliance and sustainability excellence.

We’re delighted to continue collaborating with Paythru, supporting their commitment to sustainability through comprehensive ESG solutions. Our partnership includes edenseven's in-depth measurement and analysis of their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, alongside strategic guidance to help them achieve their wider sustainability goals. Paythru, a UK-based technology company, specialises in cloud-based payment solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging and parking. Their innovative platform simplifies the EV payment experience by decoupling the charging process from physical hardware, staying true to their philosophy: "Experience first. Technology second." As part of this ongoing partnership, Paythru is utilising cero.earth , carbon accounting and management platform, to accurately measure, track, and reduce their carbon footprint. ESG reporting goes beyond compliance - it drives real impact. By precisely measuring their environmental footprint, companies can set meaningful targets, monitor progress, and lead tangible change. We, at edenseven, are proud to support Paythru in demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainability and shaping a greener future for EV infrastructure.

What Do Your Scope 3 Emissions Have to Do with Inflation? Scope 3 emissions cover everything outside your direct operations - the carbon footprint of your supply chain, purchased goods, logistics, business travel, and more. The higher your Scope 3 emissions, the more energy-intensive your supply chain is. And the more energy-intensive your supply chain, the more vulnerable you are to rising costs. Think of it this way: High Production Costs- If your suppliers are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, their production costs are rising fast. Price Volatility- If your supply chain lacks efficiency and resilience, price volatility will hit you harder. Locking in High Costs- If you’re not actively engaging with suppliers to reduce emissions, you’re locking in long-term cost increases that could have been avoided. Without accurate Scope 3 data and a clear engagement strategy , businesses are leaving themselves open to higher prices, lower margins, and greater financial risk . Why Businesses Struggle to Tackle This A major challenge is that Procurement and Sustainability teams often operate in silos: Procurement teams focus on cost and supplier relationships but often lack deep sustainability expertise. Sustainability teams focus on compliance and decarbonisation but aren’t typically measured on financial performance. This disconnect means emissions reduction is rarely treated as a financial opportunity —when in reality, cutting carbon from your supply chain is also one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to cost inflation. The Businesses That Get This Right Will Win Leading organisations are already taking action. They are: Gathering detailed Scope 3 emissions data to map out cost risks in their supply chain. Engaging suppliers to drive efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower costs. Building resilience by shifting towards lower-carbon, more cost-stable alternatives. The result? Lower long-term costs, reduced financial risk, and a competitive edge over those stuck with inefficient supply chains. This is not just about sustainability compliance —it’s about smart financial decision-making. If You’re Not Taking Action, You’re Losing Money Every business will feel the impact of rising supply chain costs—but not every business will be prepared for them. If you don’t have accurate Scope 3 emissions data and an effective engagement strategy, you are: Paying more than you need to for essential goods and services. Exposing your business to long-term cost inflation. Missing out on opportunities to build a stronger, more resilient supply chain. The sooner you act, the better—for your bottom line and for the planet. Is your business ready to take control of its costs? Get in touch today.

In 2023, the UK Government announced plans to introduce a carbon border tax from 2027, known as the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (UK CBAM). This policy aims to prevent carbon leakage (the practice of shifting emissions-intensive production to countries with weaker climate policies) by ensuring that imported goods are subject to a comparable carbon price as those produced domestically under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). Ultimately, the goal is to drive global reductions in industrial emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. What is the UK CBAM? The UK CBAM will apply to imported goods in emissions-intensive industries. Starting in 2027, businesses importing iron, steel, aluminium, ceramics, cement, fertilisers, glass and hydrogen into the UK will be required to: Mandatory Disclosures: Submit reports detailing the carbon emissions embedded in their products (embodied carbon). The UK CBAM will require reporting to detail the Scope 1 (direct emissions from production), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity), and select precursor product emissions embodied in imported products. Levy Payments: Pay a levy based on the carbon pricing of the exporting country. If the exporting country has little to no carbon pricing, UK importers will be subject to a higher tax rate. This initiative encourages businesses to source materials from suppliers with strong carbon policies, incentivising sustainable production methods. How Will it Work? The UK CBAM will require importers to report and pay for the emissions embedded in their products at the UK ETS carbon price. If a foreign producer has already paid a carbon price in the country of manufacture, this may be deducted from the payment charge under UK CBAM to avoid double taxation. The UK Government has proposed to have four accounting periods per year to align with the standard practices used by other taxes. How Does the UK CBAM Differ from the EU CBAM? While both mechanisms share the same overarching objectives, there are key differences: Scope of Products : The EU CBAM applies to cement, iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen, whereas the UK CBAM excludes electricity imports but also applies to additional products, such as ceramics and glass Implementation Timeline : The EU CBAM has already begun its transitional phase (October 1, 2023), requiring emissions reporting, with full financial enforcement starting in 2026. The UK CBAM, however, will take effect in 2027. What Can Businesses Do to Prepare? To limit exposure and ensure compliance with UK CBAM, businesses should take the following steps: Assess Supply Chains: Assess your exposure to UK CBAM by reviewing your suppliers to understand where imported products and materials are being manufactured and their carbon intensity. Identify other suppliers with lower-carbon intensities. Engage Key Suppliers: Work with your suppliers to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices that will reduce the carbon intensity of manufactured materials. Consider switching suppliers and sourcing materials from UK-based companies that already comply with UK ETS, to reduce exposure. Comprehensive Emissions Reporting: Ensure you have sufficient emissions accounting and reporting practices in place, to minimise disruption caused by mandatory reporting. We recommend businesses understand their Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions to identify high-impact activities and inefficiencies within their operations and their supply-chain. How We Can Help edenseven is a sustainability consultancy with a proven track record in designing and delivering data-driven sustainability strategies. Our cloud-based carbon accounting and management platform, cero.earth , simplifies compliance and reporting for businesses of all sizes. Why Choose cero.earth? Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scope 1, 2 & 3) to ensure accurate and compliant carbon reporting. Expert Support: Backed by a team of analysts who guide you through the process, making compliance straightforward. Seamless Data Integration: Easily upload and export data in required formats with our integrated report building tools, for effortless reporting and disclosure. Enhanced Credibility: Track and disclose detailed emissions data to investors and stakeholders with confidence, ensuring enhanced credibility. Reduce Costs: cero.earth identifies high emissions sources and inefficiencies within your operations and supply chain, enabling you to make informed decisions about where to implement impactful change, saving you cost with CBAM and ongoing operations. Net Zero Project Tracking: Design, implement and track your carbon-reduction projects and leverage our Net Zero Carbon (NZC) dashboard to visualize your pathway to Net Zero and set strategic carbon reduction targets. Flexible Packages: cero.earth offers tailored packages to suit all businesses. For businesses seeking a hands-off experience, our Strategic package allows us to handle the entire carbon accounting and compliance process on your behalf, ensuring a seamless and fully managed approach, allowing you to focus on what you do best. Prepare Your Business for the Future With the UK CBAM on the horizon, businesses must take proactive steps to manage their carbon impact and ensure compliance. cero.earth by edenseven, provides the tools and expertise needed to navigate these changes with ease. Start your journey towards sustainable and compliant operations today. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support your transition and comply with the latest sustainability regulations.

Over the last few decades, carbon offsetting has become a go-to strategy for businesses looking to demonstrate sustainability commitments and enhance their external credibility. Offsetting takes many forms, from tree planting and forest conservation to providing communities with clean cookstoves and renewable energy. However, with a vast number of offset providers offering projects of varying credibility, navigating this landscape can be confusing for businesses and consumers alike. The Problem with Offsetting While carbon offsetting can play a role in broader climate action, it is not a substitute for direct emissions reductions. Protecting and enhancing nature and biodiversity should be seen as complementary to carbon reduction—not a replacement for it. Lack of Additionality - Many offsetting projects do not actually remove additional carbon from the atmosphere beyond what would have happened anyway. Distraction from True Action - Offsetting can divert attention from the urgent need to tackle emissions at the source, delaying meaningful business-wide carbon reductions. Regulatory and Reputational Risks - The EU is set to ban terms like "climate/carbon neutral" or "climate positive" based on offsetting from 2026, increasing the risk of greenwashing accusations for businesses wishing to claim climate positives from offsetting projects. Several large companies have already rolled back offset-based sustainability claims after using unreliable carbon offsets. Should you Avoid Offsetting Entirely? Not necessarily. High-quality carbon offsets can still be a useful tool to support broader sustainability efforts, and often provide social benefits, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, they should only come after a business has taken concrete steps to measure and reduce emissions. The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a leading assessor of corporate science-based Net Zero targets, only permits the offsetting of residual, unavoidable emissions (less than 10% of a company's total emissions) after all other feasible reduction measures have been implemented. This further highlights the importance of prioritsing direct emissions reductions before considering any forms of offsetting. Before investing in offsets, ensure you: Measure Your Carbon Footprint - This should include Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, to provide a full picture of your environmental impact. Without this data, you are unable to make informed carbon reductions. Develop a Robust Carbon Reduction Plan - Your plan should cover Scope 1, 2 and 3, align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and set ambitious reduction targets. Take Action and Track Progress - Implement emissions reduction initiatives and continuously monitor progress towards Net Zero. If your business meets these criteria, investing in credible, high-quality offsetting schemes can be an additional way to contribute to climate action. However, if these foundational steps are not in place, offsetting alone is not the answer for your business - it does little to drive real change. What We Offer At edenseven, we help businesses design and implement data-driven sustainability strategies that prioritise real emissions reductions. Our cloud-based platform, cero.earth , simplifies carbon accounting and management, ensuring compliance with climate regulations and providing a clear roadmap to Net Zero. With expert guidance from edenseven, your business can avoid greenwashing pitfalls and take meaningful action to cut emissions, comply with regulations, ensure credibility with stakeholders, and reduce costs. Want to build a credible, impactful sustainability strategy? Get in touch today.

Contributing Authors: Pete Nisbet, Alejandro Navarro, Craig Cheney In their 2020 report, the Climate Change Committee emphasised the importance of local authorities in national decarbonisation efforts and the UK’s journey to net zero. Quoting the capacity to impact roughly one third of UK emissions, the report highlighted the significant remit of local authorities, including local transport, social housing, and waste, as well as their influence over local businesses and communities. Unlike private entities and businesses – which also contribute significantly to UK emissions yet often exhibit limited willingness to respond* – local authorities have demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing climate change. Out of 394 local authorities, 327 have declared a climate emergency, with 114 setting net-zero targets and 280 developing actionable plans. This highlights the readiness of local authorities to act; however, translating this enthusiasm into meaningful outcomes requires clearer direction and support from central government. While the new government has shown a willingness to address these challenges, the reality is that news policies and funding mechanisms take time to develop and implement. Bridging this gap between ambition and action will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of local authorities in driving the UK’s net-zero agenda. One stand-out and wide-reaching solution to this is climate technology . With the ability to process data more effectively, identify problems faster, and test solutions virtually, technology provides an efficient, transformative vessel for decarbonisation and net zero strategies. In a recent survey, 40% of senior executives said they believe that digital technologies are already having a positive impact on their sustainability goals. And, with the ability to initiate significant carbon reductions across energy, materials, and mobility, and save money at the same time, climate tech has the potential to provide the public sector with the resources it needs toward net zero. *According to our recent analysis of the FTSE 250, 41% of the FTSE 250 do not have a net zero target, and those who do have delayed it by an average of 13 months.