Net Zero Week - 4th-10th July - Are you doing all you can to support a Net Zero future... We are!
Its Net Zero week between 4th July-10th July.
At Morden Leisure Centre we really want to contribute to Net Zero week, but also to ensure ongoing sustainability too.
Aligned with one of our core values, “Respecting the Planet,” GLL and Morden Leisure Centre continue to try and reduce our carbon emissions, and we work towards a Net Zero future.
Below are just a few of the important things we do at Morden Leisure Centre to support trying to achieve this:
Energy and Environmental Strategy
Lighting Systems – Automatic lighting systems are installed in the toilet areas so that lights are only on when a person is in the room. This is done using a PIR sensor that tells the lights to turn on as soon as it senses motion. This helps to save electricity.
External Lighting – A photocell and time clock system have been installed to control the lighting columns and building lights, bringing on the lights when it becomes dark and switching off and on the lights at a set time, then switching the lights off on when it becomes light.
Natural Ventilation – The reception & café area has a natural ventilation system so that power is not consumed running a comfort cooling and mechanical ventilation system. The system comprises automatic opening windows at ground floor level and automatic opening roof terminals at first floor level. The system is automatically controlled via temperatures, wind and rain sensors and the BMS.
Metering – Water, Gas, Electric and energy meters are installed on the building services systems, linked to the Building Management System, to allow monitoring of water and energy usage in different areas of the building.
CHP Unit – The building has a combined heat and power unit which generates electricity on site. This unit is very energy efficient as energy is not lost by transporting power around the national grid and any waste heat is recovered and used tin the buildings heating systems. The unit is part of the governments RHI - renewable heat incentive scheme.
Water Use
The following water saving features are incorporated into the building:
Low flow rate aerating taps
Automatic shut off basin taps
Low volume flush toilets
Low flow rate showers
Automatic shut off shower controls
Leak detection systems
PIR operated sanitary shut off
Flow restrictors on high flow outlets
Pulsed output water metering with BMS monitoring
These features are included to reduce the amount of water being used in the building, which saves water and reduces running costs.
What else do we do?
Water Conservation
- Each month we complete leak detection checks to ensure we have no water leaks throughout the Centre.
- Energy readings taken daily to monitor consumption & costs. Our staff can see this too so they can also support with ensuring the basic tasks are completed and checked.
- Weekly and monthly tap, shower and water checks across areas of the building
- Weekly backwashing pool filters in line with filter pressure for effeciencies
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
- Ensuring our Pool covers are fully functioning and operational every night. We recently had our contractor complete some work on the pool cover to make it more efficient and service the cover annually.
- Boiler and CHP upgrades completed in 2025 and also being completed in 2026 too.
- Solar panel improvements
Sustainable Travel
On our new ‘Respecting the Planet’ board, we will be adding and promoting local travel plans, including:
Cycling routes
Public transport options
Encouraging active travel among customers
We do this already on our website too.
Waste Reduction
We recycle lots at the Leisure Centre. This includes food waste, plastics, paper, metal and more! Please help us by using the correct bins.
We regularly receive reports regarding our General Waste vs Recycling consumption and continue to improve to try and have higher percentage of mixed recycling where possible.
Energy Reduction Practices & Best Practise procedures
- We have many energy saving protocols that are implemented at Morden Leisure Centre. We also have an Energy Champion allocated at Morden Leisure Centre, 2 actually, this is James and Samuel.
- Training for staff is essential, our staff have in centre and online training to support with understanding the importance of Energy issues and getting to Net Zero. We have Energy handbooks for staff too!
- Lots of checks are completed, daily, weekly and monthly including housekeeping checks with pool temperatures, lighting, air temperatures, heating etc. Including Winter and Summer guideline procedures.
- Removal of plastic overshoes which are one use plastic and request for customers to remove shoes upon entry to changing rooms.
On top of all this we have an extensive 'GLL Green' action plan that we complete on a 3 month basis! At Morden Leisure Centre we are proud to have an energy operational rating of B.
We are working with our partner, LBM Council to also look at decarbonisation projects across the Merton Leisure Centres.
Let’s Make an Impact
Every action, big or small, plays a part in helping us reach Net Zero. Please help us!
You can find more on what GLL is trying to achieve with sustainability here -GLL Sustainability
Learn more about Net Zero Week: More about Net Zero here