Edinburgh Leisure’s Net Zero Strategy

Environmental Sustainability is our Corporate Strategic goal and the strategy underpins our commitment.

Vision: Become a climate ready, low carbon and nature positive city by 2030.

Context: Part of a broader effort to contribute to national and global goals to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees. Commitment to reduce carbon emissions across our estate.

Mission: To reduce Edinburgh Leisure’s carbon footprint, where viable, by sustainably managing energy, water and waste and promoting biodiversity.

Goal 2: Promote Sustainable Transportation:

• EV Charging Stations: Working to install electric vehicles (EV) charging stations across EL facilities for company vehicles & staff.
• Public Transport promotion: Encourage staff and visitors to use public transport by offering incentives or partnerships with local transit providers.
• Bike Facilities: Provide secure bike storage and promote cycling as a mode of transport.
• EL Fleet: Carpooling: Explore carpooling as a resource for staff who travel between multiple venues.

Goal 3: Increase Waste Reduction & Recycling:

• Zero Waste Goals: Waste reduction Create a zero-waste policy and staff training, aiming to reduce, reuse, and recycle all waste.
• Composting: Introduce composting facilities for organic waste. 
• Recycling: Enhance recycling programmes for paper, plastics, and other materials. 

Goal 4: Establish Water Conservation:

• Efficient Fixtures: Install water-efficient fixtures and fittings in all facilities.            
• Fix leaks promptly:establish a maintenance programme to quickly identify and repair leaks. 

Goal 5: Improve Engagement & Education-Engage Leadership:

• Ensure EL leaders are actively involved in sustainability initiatives and serve as role models for sustainable practices.
• Staff Training: Provide regular training for staff on sustainability practices and the importance of Net Zero goals. 
• Feedback: Create a system for collating feedback from staff and customers to identify new opportunities for improvement. 
• Community Programmes: Engage local communities to raise awareness about sustainability issues and the importance of energy conservation and protecting nature. 

Goal 6: Promote Nature – Protect and Restore Biodiversity:

• Work with partners to
• Expand tree planting initiative in green spaces across EL’s estate
• Roll out more wild-flowering projects across our venues
• Through our Grounds team, encourage bees and insects through careful choice of plants.
• Create wildlife corridors when landscaping around our venues.
• Achieve Green Flag status for EL venues 

Goal 7: Sustainable Procurement:

• The EL Procurement matrix involves contractors to report on their Sustainability Ethos. This currently amounts to 10% of the overall mark.
• This is what suppliers/contractors are measured on their respective commitments to environmental sustainability. Edinburgh Leisure would continue to support a more sustainable supply chain. 

Goal 8: Attract External Funding:

• Funding: Seek grants, subsidies and other funding opportunities to support sustainability projects. 
• Partnerships: Collaborate with CEC, businesses and environmental organisations to leverage resources and expertise.
• Local & National Awareness Days: create annual calendar of events / days connected to Net Zero /Green Agenda to capitalise on media coverage 
• Awards: Apply for appropriate ‘green’ awards to raise the profile of what EL are doing with a view to attracting future funding.