As sustainability targets become increasingly urgent, one not-for-profit is demonstrating that regulatory compliance can spark real transformation. Abbeycroft, one of the UK’s largest health and wellbeing leisure providers, is showing how schemes like the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) can fuel innovation, drive action, and enhance community wellbeing.
In a conversation with TEAM Energy, Abbeycroft shared how it is leveraging compliance not just to meet requirements, but to embed sustainability into its core operations.
With 12 leisure centres across West Suffolk and Babergh, Abbeycroft is tackling rising energy costs and carbon emissions head-on. ESOS has helped the organisation pinpoint opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, forming the basis of a robust action plan that benefits both the business and the environment.
What makes Abbeycroft stand out is its focus on combining environmental responsibility with social impact. From installing pool backwashing systems to cut water waste, to piloting recycling schemes that turn old swim gear into new products, the organisation is embracing creative solutions that support both sustainability and community engagement. These initiatives go beyond infrastructure, they reflect a broader commitment to making leisure services more resilient and inclusive.
Graham Paul, Service Director at TEAM Energy, said:
“Abbeycroft is a great example of how community-driven organisations can lead the way in sustainability. Their data-led, collaborative approach to energy efficiency shows what’s possible when environmental goals are woven into everyday practice. We’re proud to support their journey toward lower emissions and healthier spaces for all.”
Chloe Banham, Area Manager at Abbeycroft, added:
“Working with TEAM Energy has empowered us to move beyond compliance and take meaningful, strategic action on sustainability. Through ESOS and ongoing audits, we’ve identified practical ways to reduce our environmental impact while improving the customer experience. Sustainability is now embedded in our long-term planning, our teams are engaged, and our sites are evolving and we’re excited to keep driving this momentum forward.”
TEAM’s interview with Abbeycroft highlights how leadership and learning are driving change. With executive support and sustainability champions at each site, Abbeycroft is cultivating a workforce that’s informed, motivated, and committed. Collaborations with local councils are also unlocking funding and aligning goals across sectors.
From optimising building management systems to using remote-controlled sockets and improving CHP unit performance, technology is central to Abbeycroft’s strategy. But it is not just about equipment, it’s about using data to guide 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 of compliance, it’s a model for how public-facing organisations can lead on sustainability while maintaining service quality and financial health.
