Our Commitment to Sustainability at South Downs Leisure
At South Downs Leisure, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As an award-winning sustainable trust, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and championing green initiatives across our facilities. Over the past five years, we’ve made significant strides in sustainable development, thanks to the dedication of our staff, partners, and community.
One of our most exciting projects is the Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system at Splashpoint Leisure Centre, a major step towards reducing our carbon footprint. This innovative technology harnesses natural heat from the ground to warm our swimming pools and regulate the building’s temperature, significantly lowering our reliance on traditional energy sources.
Looking ahead, we are focused on delivering real, lasting impact—from reducing carbon emissions and expanding the use of renewable energy, to supporting sustainable travel and integrating environmentally conscious practices into every part of our operations. This is more than meeting targets—it’s about setting the standard for sustainable leisure in the UK and beyond.
Our Vision
- Make our facilities carbon net zero by 2040 including our pools.
- Make our dry side facilities carbon net zero by 2030.
Our Mission
- Put sustainability at the forefront of key decisions made across South Downs Leisure.
Our Values
- Training staff
- Educating customers on our journey
- Avoid Greenwashing
- Minimize fossil fuel sources where possible
- Understand supply chain
- 3 P’s in all decisions
- Health and Wellbeing of staff
- Supporting the wider community
Working together for a greener future
At South Downs Leisure, sustainability isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. We believe that real change happens when we work together as a community, which is why we collaborate with local volunteers, organisations, and partners to make a lasting impact.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of GoodGym Worthing, whose volunteers dedicate their time and energy to helping us maintain and improve our green spaces. From litter picking and gardening to supporting environmental projects at our centres, their efforts contribute to a cleaner, greener, and healthier community.
Our commitment to sustainability also extends to educational initiatives, community events, and partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be part of a more sustainable future. By working together, we are making South Downs Leisure and our surrounding areas a better place for future generations.
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) System
One of our most exciting sustainability projects is the Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system at Splashpoint Leisure Centre, a major step in reducing our carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. This innovative system works by circulating a pipe loop filled with antifreeze through the ground next to the centre, absorbing natural geothermal heat. This renewable energy is then used to heat our swimming pools and regulate the building’s temperature, reducing our reliance on gas-powered systems.
What Are the Benefits?
- Lower Carbon Emissions – Switching from traditional gas heating to a GSHP can reduce carbon emissions by up to 4,500 kg per year—equivalent to removing an average car from the road for a year.
- Highly Energy Efficient – GSHPs generate 3-4 times more energy than they consume, making them one of the most efficient heating solutions available.
- Sustainable & Renewable – Unlike fossil fuel-based systems, GSHPs use constant underground heat, providing a reliable, year-round renewable energy source.
- Reduced Running Costs – While installation requires upfront investment, long-term energy savings make it a cost-effective choice for the future.
- Minimal Maintenance & Longevity – With fewer moving parts than conventional boilers, GSHPs require less maintenance and can last over 20 years.
By integrating this cutting-edge green technology, South Downs Leisure is leading the way in sustainable energy solutions, lowering operational costs, and ensuring a greener future for our community.
Solar panels at Splashpoint Leisure Centre
Installed by Brighton Energy Corporation (BEC).
Over 300 solar panels generate an impressive 98,000 kWh of electricity per year, significantly reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
This sustainable energy solution helps to cut our carbon footprint by 27 tonnes of CO₂e annually, equivalent to taking multiple cars off the road each year. By harnessing clean, renewable solar power, we are actively contributing to a greener future while reducing our operational energy costs
More solar panels installed….
Adur & Worthing Council are currently in the process of installing over 140 additional solar panels at Splashpoint Leisure Centre.
Thanks to funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, contractors are adding a new solar array to the roof of Splashpoint Leisure Centre.
Once fully operational, these additional solar panels are expected to generate over 60 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy each year—enough to power the pumps for one of the facility’s pools for around six months annually.
This investment in clean energy will also lead to a reduction of more than 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, the equivalent of planting approximately 560 trees annually. By harnessing solar power, we are taking another significant step toward a more sustainable future for Worthing.
Worthing Heat Network
At South Downs Leisure, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across our facilities. As part of this commitment, we are working closely with Adur & Worthing Council to connect Splashpoint Leisure Centre to the Worthing Heat Network, an innovative low-carbon energy project that will provide a more sustainable heating solution for the centre.
The Worthing Heat Network will work alongside the ground source heat pump (GSHP) system, further decreasing emissions and ensuring long-term energy efficiency. While the GSHP system currently heats the pools and supplies some hot water, this new connection offers a major upgrade, allowing us to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining a reliable, low-carbon energy supply.
Why connect to the Worthing Heat Network?
By working with Adur & Worthing Council and Hemiko, we are making a bold step towards a cleaner, greener future for our community. This project ensures that Splashpoint Leisure Centre remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation, reducing both our environmental impact and long-term energy costs.
Supporting sustainable travel at Field Place Manor House & Barns
We’re proud to be making it easier for our visitors to travel sustainably with the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging points at Field Place Manor House & Barns.
In partnership with Adur & Worthing Council, and with specialist installation by Land & Power Ltd on behalf of Roam Charging, this exciting development includes the installation of dual fast-charging stations to help support the shift to low-emission transport. The new chargers are located in the main car park and are part of our broader commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and encouraging greener travel choices.
Why it matters
- Supports EV drivers visiting events, weddings, and fitness classes at Field Place Manor House & Barns.
- Reduces carbon emissions by promoting cleaner transport alternatives.
- Contributes to our wider sustainability strategy focused on greener infrastructure.
- Future-proofs the site as electric vehicle usage continues to grow.
The work includes the careful excavation of cabling routes, installation of underground ducting, concrete charger bases, and a new data and power connection to ensure a safe, accessible and efficient charging solution.
By investing in clean energy infrastructure, we are continuing to make Field Place Manor House & Barns not just a beautiful venue, but a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible one too.
A greener future at Wadurs Swimming Pool
Adur & Worthing Council has recently installed more than 170 solar panels at Wadurs Swimming Pool, making the facility more sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint.
Thanks to funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, a new solar array has been added to the roof of Shoreham’s much-loved swimming site, which is operated by our partner South Downs Leisure.
The newly installed panels are expected to generate over 70 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity each year – enough to power the entire facility, including water pumps, heating, and lighting, for nearly half of the year.
Key Benefits of the New Pump System
Introducing the KPI Balanced Scorecard across our teams
At South Downs Leisure, we’re committed to continuous improvement and ensuring our teams are engaged, motivated, and working towards shared goals. To enhance performance tracking and encourage friendly competition across our centres, we’re introducing the KPI Balanced Scorecard—a dynamic tool that will help us measure success, drive accountability, and celebrate achievements.
What is the KPI Balanced Scorecard?
The KPI Balanced Scorecard is a structured performance tracking system that will allow us to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all our centres. It provides a clear and measurable way to assess progress in key areas, including:
✅ Sustainability Goals – Tracking energy savings, carbon footprint reduction, and eco-friendly initiatives.
✅ Customer Experience – Monitoring feedback, satisfaction scores, and visitor engagement.
✅ Operational Efficiency – Measuring facility usage, equipment performance, and service improvements.
✅ Financial Performance – Ensuring cost-effective operations while delivering high-quality services.
✅ Team Engagement – Encouraging staff participation, innovation, and personal development.
Why are we introducing this?
By implementing the KPI Balanced Scorecard, we aim to:
- Empower Staff – Every team member can see how their efforts contribute to our overall success.
- Create Healthy Competition – Centres can compare their performance and strive to be the best.
- Track Progress in Real-Time – Identify what’s working well and where improvements can be made.
- Celebrate Achievements – Recognise top-performing teams and reward excellence.
Celebrating Our Sustainability Champions
At South Downs Leisure, we believe that sustainability starts with our people. That’s why we’re proud to recognise and reward team members who go above and beyond to make a positive environmental impact—both at work and in their personal lives.
At our recent 2025 Staff Awards, Ed Wain, one of our dedicated Sustainability Champions, was honoured with the Sustainable Champion award. Ed’s passion, commitment, and tireless efforts to embed eco-friendly practices across our centres and beyond make him a true inspiration. His work reflects the values we hold dear at South Downs Leisure: community, responsibility, and a greener future for all.
Supporting local, driving Digital Sustainability
At South Downs Leisure, supporting local businesses is a key part of our sustainability journey and strongly reflects our vision, mission and values.
We are proud to be working closely with Worthing-based company Blue Billboard as part of our digital sustainability initiative. Through this partnership, you’ll soon see our new digital signage in towns across the local area.
Embracing digital solutions not only helps us reduce paper waste, but also allows us to communicate more effectively and responsibly with our community. By working hand in hand with local companies like Blue Billboard, we’re staying true to our commitment to our vision, mission and values.
Real results through responsible recycling
Our partnership with Recorra is a key part of our journey to becoming a more sustainable organisation. With their expertise and support, we’re not only reducing waste—we’re learning more about the journey of our materials, engaging our teams, and creating lasting environmental impact across our sites.
From January to March 2025, thanks to this partnership, we’ve achieved:
But this is just the start. Working with Recorra, we’re rolling out a comprehensive Recycling & Sustainability Roadmap that includes:
This hands-on approach helps us embed sustainability into everyday operations while staying aligned with our vision, mission and values. We’re committed to continuous improvement—and with Recorra, we have the tools and insights to do just that.
Paperless with DocuSign
At South Downs Leisure, reducing our environmental impact runs through everything we do—including the way we manage documents. By using DocuSign for all employee contracts and external agreements, such as our FIT4 Memberships, we’ve significantly reduced our reliance on paper-based processes.
This digital shift supports our sustainability goals and reflects our commitment to smarter, more efficient ways of working. By choosing DocuSign, we’re contributing to global environmental savings that include:
To put it in perspective, this is like removing over 700,000 cars from the road or conserving the equivalent of 10 million trees.
These figures are based on DocuSign’s global environmental impact modelling, using tools such as the Environmental Paper Network’s Paper Calculator. While the exact savings may vary by organisation, the shift to digital documents undeniably contributes to reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and cutting waste.
Every signature counts—and at South Downs Leisure, even our paperwork supports the planet.
Reboot. Reuse. Reduce Carbon
We’ve proudly teamed up with Football Rebooted and Utilita Football to rehome pre-played football boots—helping the planet while supporting families across the UK. It’s a simple but powerful way to reduce carbon emissions.
You can drop off your old boots at Worthing Leisure Centre reception and be part of a nationwide movement that’s already made a big impact.
Together, we can make football more accessible and sustainable. Every donation helps a player, saves money for families, and takes another step toward a greener game.
Let’s get more boots back on the pitch—not in landfill!
Leisure Loop Recycling Scheme
As part of our ongoing mission to reduce waste and promote greener practices across our centres, South Downs Leisure is proud to support the Leisure Loop Recycling Scheme – a forward-thinking initiative that gives used pool items a second life.
Leisure Loop Recycling Scheme
By recycling instead of throwing away, you’re helping to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and support a more sustainable future for our local community.
What can you recycle with Leisure Loop at Splashpoint Leisure Centre and Sea Lanes in Brighton.
Take a peep at where South Downs Leisure is within the Leisure Loop Recycle Scheme.
Green Dreams 2025: A Celebration of Community and Sustainability
Green Dreams 2025, returns to Field Place Manor House & Barns in Worthing, West Sussex, on Sunday 28th September 2025. This free, family-friendly event is a cornerstone of our sustainability calendar, offering a day full of ideas, inspiration, and connection for anyone passionate about greener living.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Field Place’s historic grounds, Green Dreams brings together a vibrant mix of local growers, eco crafters, community groups, and environmental organisations. You’ll find a bustling marketplace of sustainable products, handmade goods, and ethical food and drink, alongside interactive workshops, children’s activities, and talks from local change-makers.
The event is designed to champion grassroots action—highlighting the small but mighty efforts happening across Worthing and the wider South Downs region. Whether you are interested in urban gardening, upcycling, biodiversity, or simply curious about how to reduce your impact, there’s something for everyone.
Green Dreams also supports wellbeing through a deeper connection to nature, creativity, and community spirit. It reflects our core belief at South Downs Leisure that sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a better quality of life for all.
Mark your calendars and come along to enjoy a day filled with fresh ideas, friendly faces and a shared commitment to a more sustainable, healthier future. Let’s grow something great—together.
Riding Towards Sustainability
At South Downs Leisure, we are proud to support sustainable travel by providing three electric bikes exclusively for our staff to use between centres. Swapping the car for a bike isn’t just great for the planet – it’s a boost for wellbeing too. Cycling offers a chance to enjoy fresh sea air, clear your mind and feel more connected to the stunning coastal surroundings of Worthing, West Sussex. It’s a simple yet effective way for our team to stay active, reduce carbon emissions, and arrive at work feeling energised and refreshed.
Sustainable Steps at the Three Forts Challenge
In 2025, South Downs Leisure proudly took over the organisation of the renowned Three Forts Challenge – a celebrated event that brings together runners of all abilities to tackle one of the most scenic courses in the South Downs. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, all participants now receive a sustainably produced medal, reflecting our wider goals of reducing the environmental impact of the event.
Looking ahead, we are committed to making the Three Forts Challenge even more sustainable through careful planning and innovation. From eco-conscious race materials and waste reduction strategies, to exploring greener transport and energy options, our team is working hard to ensure the event continues to be a positive force for both our community and the environment.
The next Three Forts Challenge will take place on Sunday, 3rd May 2026. We look forward to welcoming participants, supporters, and volunteers to join us in making the event memorable – and environmentally responsible
Buzzing for biodiversity
Did you know that Worthing Leisure Centre is home to its very own beehives?
In partnership with experienced local beekeepers, we’ve introduced bee colonies to the grounds of the centre as part of our commitment to enhancing local biodiversity and supporting vital pollinator populations.
Bees play a crucial role in the health of our ecosystems. By helping pollinate plants, they support food production and maintain the balance of our natural environment. Sadly, bee populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change—making conservation efforts more important than ever.
Our on-site hives not only support the local bee population but also serve as an educational tool to inspire awareness about the importance of pollinators and how small, local actions can contribute to global sustainability goals.