Reducing energy costs

Introduction

There are many challenges arising from the current economic circumstances and the needs for operators to maintain financial and environmental sustainability.

This guidance aims to give practical support on how energy efficiency measures can reduce running costs for organisations involved with small physical activity and sports facilities.

This page, and associated set of documents, describe the range of local physical activity and sports facilities and many types of energy reduction features that are available, as well as providing a framework for assessing energy costs.

Floodlights on a 4G community football pitch

This ‘energy crisis’ has added considerable urgency to discussions on the use of energy and the implications for wider global warming and climate change.

Not least for the sport and leisure industries and, perhaps most crucially, for the diverse range of small community organisations that provide for sport and physical activities at a local level.

In many ways these are the backbone of sport and leisure in the UK and include, for example, local sport clubs, village halls and community hubs that often operate with voluntary support and with modest budgets and minimal financial reserves.

For some, the recent energy increases will limit their offer to users and even threaten their future viability.

There will be immediate impacts from the increase in the gas, oil and electricity bills for heating and hot water, and increased costs of fuel for the operation of grounds maintenance equipment.

There will also be secondary impacts as inflationary pressures work through other parts of the economy and potentially the way the people travel to and use the facilities.

This initiative looks at the ways increased energy costs can be monitored, managed and, where appropriate, reduced.

It suggests a logical step-by-step framework for organisations to self-assess their own individual situation and decide on appropriate action.

It discusses:

Taking stock: setting up a process for assessing the available data from utility bills and meter readings;
The benefits of smart meter technologies: improved automated energy monitoring and controls;
Typical high-use energy areas: identifying the high use areas where most saving might be made;
Developing a plan with reduction targets;
Monitoring energy reductions: ensuring any changes are effective, understood and supported by users;
Further information is provided throughout via the below documents.

Guidance documents

How to reduce energy costs: Part A - introduction and overview Download the file - 826.87 KB

How to reduce energy costs: Part B - facility elements and checklist Download the file - 1.37 MB

How to reduce energy costs: Part C - worked examples for typical facilities Download the file - 922.26 KB

How to reduce energy costs: Part D - frequently asked questions Download the file - 708.13 KB

How to reduce energy costs: Part E - project worksheet Download the file - 430.19 KB

Diversity of facilities and use

Although there are many standardised features to be found in local physical activities and sports facilities, the overall pattern is diverse and varied.

There are differences in the ages, standards of construction, types of equipment, levels of maintenance and mix of individual elements of accommodation.

The way the facilities are used will also have a considerable bearing on the energy use.

Some facilities will be used on a continuous basis through the week but others may be only used on a more occasional basis, for example, at weekends during the playing season.

From an energy use perspective, organisations should undertake detailed assessments of the energy they use and consider all potential options available for reducing consumption.

Part B of our guidance documents gives an overview of the range of accommodation that can be found in local physical activity and sports buildings.

It includes both outdoor and indoor energy use elements and suggests the likely main energy use categories.

How to reduce energy costs: Part B - facility elements and checklist Download the file - 1.37 MB

Smart monitoring

Many people will be familiar with the roll out of smart meter technology in domestic properties.

The government requires energy suppliers to offer smart meters to all homes and small businesses across Great Britain by the end of 2025.

The equipment gives automatic data collection and makes it much easier to understand, in real time, the amount of energy being used and the price being charged.

It also allows better estimates of future bills and avoids wastage - with these benefits being equally valid for sport and physical activity facilities.

The internet of things/smart buildings

Similarly, people may be aware of smart control technology in their homes in the form of intelligent room thermostats and heating controls systems that can be accessed via their mobile phones.

The technologies allow automatic detection of occupation, the automatic default to eco settings and remote monitoring and control.

There are many products on the market that could benefit small sports and leisure facilities, for example*:

*These products are not endorsed by Sport England and require a competent person to complete installation.

Identifying areas of high energy use

Smart meters can help identify actual consumption and help identify hidden issues and potential high energy use areas.

For example, the actual costs of:

floodlighting a tennis court or a football pitch;
lighting, heating and ventilation of internal activity spaces;
hot water use for showers;
grounds maintenance materials and equipment.

Better controls

The use of smart technology can be extended by connecting to a mobile phone application or website.

This can allow better tracking, monitoring, automated reporting and controlling of equipment from a remote location.

There are also reasonably priced plug-in or clip-on devices on the market that measure the energy use of appliances or systems and give potential savings.

For example:

smart thermostats;
energy-efficient LED smart bulbs;
wi-fi control systems;
motion sensors;
energy monitoring plugs.

The below sets out a four-step approach to understanding and managing the reduction in energy costs.

It builds on the points discussed in the previous section about taking stock and understanding the individual facility.

You can also download Part C of our guidance documents for further assistance.

How to reduce energy costs: Part C - worked examples for typical facilities Download the file - 922.26 KB

Initiate action

- Empower a person or team in the organisation to investigate and make recommendations.
- Create an energy champion(s).

Install smart meter to monitor energy usage and real-time costs

- Review historic data.
- Contact energy supplier(s) about installation of a smart meter(s) and best tariff(s).
- Establish an energy benchmark.

Take regular readings and track against the program of use

- Track the daily or weekly readings to identify the profile of use peaks and troughs.
- Compare with the energy supplier’s data.
- Consider augmenting with internet of things (IoT) software/monitoring technology.

Identify high energy use items, where a % reduction might generate most savings

Draw up a priority list of items and consider:
- impacts on users
- affordability
- operational factors
- value for money (VFM).

Role of an energy champion

An early step will be to select a person(s) in the organisation to take a lead and act as an energy champion.

They'll be the point of contact and advocate for developing and adopting energy-efficiency measures.

It's important they have a good understanding of the organisation’s ethos and some basic financial accounting skills.

The role will involve:

reviewing the current situation;
establishing a benchmark for gauging future progress;
regular reviews of data and trends;
developing options for improvements;
engaging with the management team;
communicating to users, membership and the management.

Smart meter technology

Smart meters automatically collect and transmit utility usage data to energy suppliers (gas, electricity and water) and can help customers more easily understand and manage their consumptions.

The information can be displayed on a dedicated monitor or be viewed through a computer or mobile phone app.

They give a real-time view, avoid estimated bills and can also help identify hidden operational issues, such as the reason for higher-than-desired energy costs.

They can also reveal the causes of more frequent equipment repair and replacement.

Smart meter technology can help:

save money on energy bills;
identify energy waste;
increase operational efficiency;
increase awareness of energy use among users;
increase ability to manage and monitor energy use;
become more environmentally friendly.

How to reduce energy costs: Part C - worked examples for typical facilities Download the file - 922.26 KB

A framework for assessing costs

The below table suggests a framework for considering options for reducing energy costs, together with a list of typical examples.

There are four strategy options outlined, as follows:

Strategy 1 covers user actions, or changes in user behaviours, that can be taken with minimum or no capital costs. Examples include turning down the control settings or simply turning off key items of equipment.
Strategies 2 and 3 provide examples of upgrades to control systems and the replacement of inefficient items of equipment or appliances that will incur low or medium cost, but would be justifiable financially in terms of the overall energy that can be saved over a period of time.
Strategy 4 gives examples of medium to higher cost refurbishment works to the buildings or sports facility.

In all cases, it's important the potential impacts on users are properly considered.

An energy champion can play a useful consultation role in gaining agreement for a chosen line of action.

Strategy	Capital cost implications	Action	Example features
1. Use/behaviour	None-minimal	Turn down or turn off	Sport flood lighting: can lux levels be safely reduced? Check with national governing bodies? External lighting: can levels be safely reduced? Space heating and ventilation: can settings be safely reduced? Shorter and cooler showers: can temperatures and times of use be safely reduced? Space heating: can some areas be switched off?
2. Upgrade	Minimal-low	Improved controls	Passive infrared sensor lighting controls: turn lights on when people are detected and off when there's no activity? Intelligent programming: automatic start and finish times? Remote monitoring and controls: easier management and supervision?
3. Replace	Low-medium	Replace inefficient equipment and appliances	Catering equipment: are all appliances energy efficiency rated? LED Lighting: are all lights upgraded? Boiler and heating systems: should they be replaced?
4. Refurbish	Medium-high	Building refurbishment	Improved insulation, ventilation and air tightness: how can the building be upgraded? Phasing: consider options for quick fix and longer-term improvements?

Diverse factors

There are likely to be important differences between one facility and the next, even though at first sight there seem to be similarities.

The factors below can all come into play:

location and microclimate;
site layout and orientation;
the accommodation mix (see Part B);
age and types of building or pitch construction;
energy use profile (electricity from grid or self-generation, plus heating oil, motor fuel, gas from grid or bottled supply);
Specifics of the energy supply contracts
equipment and specification.

Download Part E of our guidance, an energy review worksheet, to create a review for your own facility - you can use the information on these tabs to assist with the work.

How to reduce energy costs: Part E - project worksheet Download the file - 430.19 KB

FAQs

How's energy measured?

A kilowatt (kW) is a universal measure of power. It's also used as a practical measure of energy used in buildings.
Read more
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a measure of how much energy is being used i.e. 1 kWh is equivalent to using a kilowatt of energy for a one hour period.

It's shown on an energy bill as the unit for pricing at a stated rate.
Read less
How's energy priced

Generally, energy suppliers charge by how many kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity or gas are used.
Read more
So, the electricity cost per kWh that you pay, depends on how long machinery or appliances are left running.

A television left on standby, or a charger plugged in will continue to draw power and add to the kWh cost on the monthly bill.

However, the costs may also vary with the peak load across a period and be subject to a standing charge and taxes.
Read less
What's meant by the energy market?

Supplying energy across the UK involves three key elements:
Read more
Energy companies can work in any of these different areas, and some operate in all of three of them. These are:
- making electricity through generation;
- transporting gas and electricity;
- selling it to the customer.
The electricity and gas markets in the UK are privatised and customers can choose which companies to use.
Read less
What's an energy profile?

Patterns of energy usage are often referred to as energy profiles and are helpful in identifying energy waste.
Read more
To make sense of the energy profiles, an understanding is required of what goes on in the building and the things that relate to energy consumption - i.e. the occupation, use of lighting, heating, ventilation and equipment.
Read less
What are the benefits of smart meters?

Smart meters give regular (half hourly) readings automatically to energy suppliers and customers, and a real-time profile of the energy use.
Read more
They avoid estimated bills and can often identify hidden issues that affect both operational and environmental quality.

This might pinpoint the reason for higher than desired energy costs and can reveal the causes of more frequent equipment repair and replacement.
Read less
What's an energy rating?

An A+++ to G – labelling system has been in use in the UK for more than 25 years to help consumers evaluate and choose energy efficient products.
Read more
However, due to the trend for more environmentally-friendly options, most modern products were at the top of the range (i.e. A+++. A++, A+).

A new simpler A-G system was introduced in March 2021 for refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and washer-dryers, dishwashers, TVs and displays, and from October 2021 for light sources.

For other labelled products such as ovens and tumble dryers, the new labels will be introduced as soon as new or revised UK regulations come into force.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

See the Energy Label 2020 website.
Read less
What are the current energy prices?

Individual energy suppliers should be contacted for their latest prices.
Read more
A point of comparison can be found from the published annual data from the Energy Saving Trust.

The information can help evaluate potential savings on a range of measures, from insulating a building to buying the most efficient electrical appliances.
Read less

How to reduce energy costs: Part D - frequently asked questions Download the file - 708.13 KB

Up to £10,000 to help people get active

We've teamed up with Crowdfunder to make £7.5 million of match funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector to recover, reinvent and build resilience following the pandemic.

We’re encouraging not-for-profit organisations, who play an important role in keeping their community physically active, to get involved.

If your organisation has experienced financial difficulty due to coronavirus (Covid-19), the energy, cost of living or other local crises, or maybe needs to adapt how it operates post-pandemic, click below to read more on this fund.

We can support eligible organisations with projects including installing energy efficiency measures, such as solar panels or LED lighting.

Why crowdfund?

We've supported more than 650 campaigns to successfully reach or exceed their target - with an average campaign raising over £16,000*.
Total pledges and funding of more than £10million have now supported successful Active Together successful, with our investment representing around 33% and the remaining funding being pledged by more than 80,000 individuals and other extra funders*.
92% of respondents indicate their organisations feel more financially stable due to their crowdfunding campaign*.
92% of respondents say they have a larger group of committed volunteers as a result of their campaign, with 38% indicating an increase in new volunteers*.

*Stats all correct as of November 2022.

Campaign successes include Methrington Squash Club, who raised £6,364 towards their LED lighting project, Settle Swimming Pool who raised £8,061 towards solar panelling and Barnard Castle RFC who raised £3,390 for a boiler replacement.

Click below to find out more about how Active Together could help you, or contact us via email, or by calling 03458 508 508.

Find out more about Active Together

Introduction

Guidance documents

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