AUSactive’s new ECOactive initiative aims to reduce fitness industry energy costs

Looking to make a positive impact on the fitness industry’s carbon footprint and environmental sustainability while also supporting its registered business members in reducing its spending on energy, AUSactive has launched its ECOactive initiative nationwide

Launched through an industry webinar on Wednesday, the program includes advice and case studies for energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and sustainable chemical choices for gyms, studios, clubs and all types of exercise and fitness facilities.

The initiative was born from AUSactive realisation in 2022 of the urgent need to elevate sustainability within the active health and exercise sector when no applications were received for the newly created environmental award in the National Awards Program.

Subsequently, with support from the City of Sydney Innovation Grant, AUSactive delivered a successful pilot program in 2024 with its members including KX Pilates, Fernwood Fitness, and One Playground to conduct environmental audits that identified a range of changes - from small, manageable adjustments to more significant transformations - that facilities could implement to become more environmentally friendly while also saving money.

AUSactive then partnered with 10Thousand Feet to conduct a survey of more than 375 Sydney active health and exercise members to understand their views on sustainability.

Explaining the development of AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish advised “the member survey showed that businesses could become more attractive to potential members with a majority of our respondents indicating that their choice of facility would be influenced by its commitment to sustainability.

“These insights have helped to shape the ECOactive initiative, which we are proud to be launching nationwide this week through the AUSactive iLearn platform.”

ECOactive iLearn Platform
Introducing the ECOactive iLearn Platform, Elvish noted “the launch of the new ECOactive iLearn platform marks a significant step forward in leading the active health and exercise industry towards minimising its carbon footprint by providing comprehensive education, practical tools, and actionable insights to help facilities across the sector implement eco-friendly practices.

“Our mission for our industry was inspired by a simple realisation that our environmental award category was not represented. This prompted us to investigate global sustainability trends within our sector and discover a wealth of innovative initiatives to support our members.”

The ECOactive iLearn platform is available to all AUSactive members and includes six modules, which are focused on businesses and cover:

• Energy efficiency

• Waste reduction

• Water conservation

• Sustainable chemical choices.

• Innovative Tool for NSW Members

The first of its kind, additional feature, is also available to AUSactive NSW members courtesy of eco-conscious start-up SpendWatt, on the AUSactive website.

With this tool, NSW members can easily drag and drop their energy bills to receive tailored recommendations on sustainable improvements, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or electric vehicles. in many cases, the monthly repayments for improvements such as solar panels, could be lower than businesses current yearly energy bills.

Elvish went on to say that the ECOactive Program was a part of AUSactive’s commitment to support businesses to be more successful and standout from competitors, adding “undertaking the ECOactive iLearn course is a strategic move for businesses looking to reduce costs, enhance their environmental credentials, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly eco-conscious world.

“It's a win-win opportunity that benefits both the business and the planet.”

The ECOactive initiative will also feature in a presentation at the upcoming AUSactive Senior Management Summit on Friday 11th October 2024 at ICC Sydney.

AUSactive members can access the new ECOactive iLearn course through their dashboard at www.fitness.org.au/members/dashboard/login

Click here for details on the AUSactive Senior Management Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images: KX Pilates (top) and Barrie Elvish (below).