From ESOS to Impact: How Abbeycroft is Redefining Sustainability
From ESOS to Innovation: A Sustainability Blueprint for Leisure Centres
As sustainability targets tighten, one not-for-profit is demonstrating that regulatory compliance can spark real transformation. Abbeycroft Leisure is showing how schemes like the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) can fuel innovation, drive action, and strengthen community wellbeing.
In a conversation with TEAM Energy, Abbeycroft shares how it’s leveraging ESOS not just to tick boxes, but to build a more resilient and responsible future.
With 12 leisure centres across West Suffolk and Babergh, Abbeycroft is tackling rising energy costs and carbon emissions head-on. By using ESOS to pinpoint areas for improvement, the organisation is crafting a strategic roadmap that benefits both the environment and its operations.
What makes Abbeycroft stand out is its commitment to pairing environmental responsibility with social impact. From installing pool backwashing systems to cut water waste, to piloting recycling schemes that transform old swim gear into new products, the organisation is finding inventive ways to reduce carbon while deepening community engagement. These aren’t just upgrades, they are part of a wider mission to make leisure more sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof.
Graham Paul, Service Director at TEAM Energy, said:
“Abbeycroft exemplifies how community-focused organisations can lead the way in sustainability. Their data-driven, collaborative approach to energy efficiency shows what’s possible when environmental goals are woven into daily operations. We’re proud to support Abbeycroft in creating healthier, low-carbon spaces for the communities they serve.”
Chloe Banham, Area Manager at Abbeycroft, added:
“Partnering with TEAM Energy has helped us move beyond compliance and take strategic, impactful steps toward sustainability. Through ESOS and ongoing audits, we’ve uncovered practical ways to reduce our footprint while enhancing the customer experience. Sustainability is now part of our long-term vision, our teams are engaged, and our sites are evolving, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.”
TEAM’s interview with Abbeycroft highlights how leadership and learning are driving real progress. With executive support and sustainability champions at every site, Abbeycroft is cultivating a workforce that’s informed, empowered, and committed to change. Collaborations with local councils are also unlocking funding and aligning goals across sectors.
From optimising building management systems to using remote-controlled sockets and enhancing CHP unit performance, technology is central to Abbeycroft’s strategy. But it’s not just about tech — it’s about using data to make smarter decisions. Monthly tracking of energy use and emissions is helping the team understand what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus next.
This isn’t just a story about compliance, it’s a model for how public-facing organisations can lead on sustainability while maintaining service quality and financial resilience.
