How to Create an Environmentally Friendly Gym

COVID-19 won't be around forever. One day, hopefully soon, your doors are going to re-open. When they do, why not open to them to a more eco-friendly facility? In addition to being good for the planet, implementing environmentally friendly practices at your gym, health club or fitness center can boost your bottom line by reducing energy bills and by attracting new eco-conscious members.

Save the Planet, Save Money

The traditional gym model can come at a high cost, with fluorescent lights illuminating the entire space, rows of electronic exercise equipment—some with built-in TVs—being used simultaneously, music blaring, and air conditioning (or heat) running constantly.  When you start to consider all the aspects of a gym that require a power source and generate electricity, it should come as no surprise how quickly those energy bills can start to add up. Take a look around your facility and consider which aspects can be tweaked or replaced to run more efficiently and to limit your carbon footprint.

Lowering your operating costs is just one way to improve your bottom line. Exercising environmentally friendly efforts has also been shown to make your business more attractive to potential members, specifically younger generations. By implementing socially responsible practices at your gym, you’re more likely to attract new Millennial and Gen Z clients. Considering Gen Z is estimated to account for 40% of the consumer base with $143 billion in purchasing power in the U.S. alone—it’s a customer base that can't be ignored.

Below are 6 tactics you can employ to make your gym more environmentally friendly.

Reduce Resource Consumption

Gyms can require a lot of resources to operate. Since every little bit counts, consider what you could do more efficiently to reduce consumption and promote energy efficiency. For example: 

• Limit the use of fans or air conditioning by opening doors and windows and taking advantage of the breeze
• Use a smart thermostat
• Utilize efficient lighting (CFL or LED light bulbs)
• Install low-flow toilets, sinks and showers to limit water usage
• Unplug technology at the end of the day
• Consider solar panels if your business can afford it 

Recycle

One of the easiest ways a gym owner can kick off their eco-friendly efforts is to implement a recycling program. Make it easy for members to recycle by setting up and labeling bins at convenient locations throughout your gym. And even when you have your recycling bins set up, still encourage your members to use reusable containers whenever possible.

Reduce Paper Waste by Utilizing Software

In today’s digital world, you can easily reduce your paper waste by implementing and utilizing all-in-one software services. Pike13’s cloud-based gym management software offers a number of tools to streamline your operation and reduce paper waste. We help make interacting with clients easier by ensuring you’ll always have the tools and support needed to make your operations and their experience seamless and clutter-free—from offering automated billing and payment options to viewing and scheduling classes online, just to name a couple. No paper necessary.

Limit Plastics

Another way to amp up your green efforts is by limiting the use of plastics. Instead of selling plastic water bottles, sell branded reusable bottles and offer unlimited refills at water stations. Not only will you make a little more on sales, you’ll get some free advertising too as you members use their water bottles around town.

Use Natural Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning has reached a whole new level of importance in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Opt for natural cleaning products at your facility. Provide toxin-free spray cleaner with paper towels made from recyclables to clean gym equipment. This isn't just good for the environment; it's also good for your health.

Source Eco-friendly Gym Supplies

When you’re stocking (or restocking) your gym and gym equipment, consider everything from office supplies to floors. If you want to start small, swap out regular plastic pens for ones made from recyclables. When it’s time to replace your yoga mats, forego ones made from PVC in favor of less toxic alternatives. Instead of traditional rubber floors, opt for recycled rubber or flooring made from renewable resources like cork and bamboo.

As a gym owner, you can set the example. Adopting green practices is good for your bottom line, good for the environment, and good for your staff and members. Today, Earth Day, is the perfect time to consider how you can go greener when your doors reopen.