Facility type

A chain of fitness clubs located in shopping centres, using the landlord’s engineering systems, including facilities with SPA zones and swimming pools

Area

2,000 m²

Initial energy consumption

from 25,000 to 120,000 kWh

Why Fitness Is an Energy-Intensive Business

The main challenge is that engineering systems have a direct impact on customer experience, yet are often difficult to monitor and control. Any deviation in temperature, humidity, or air quality is immediately noticeable to members, but not always easy to correct quickly.

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In addition, fitness clubs operate under highly variable loads: morning and evening peak hours, zones with different climate requirements (gym floor, cardio areas, changing rooms, SPA, swimming pools), low activity during off-peak hours, and almost no activity at night. Managing these parameters becomes particularly challenging when engineering systems are controlled by the landlord.

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Depending on the size and configuration of each club, we implemented the following equipment setup (typical for most clubs):

1 controller

1 router with SIM card for backup connectivity

56 current transformers

13 sensors (temperature, humidity, CO₂, motion)

23 units of controllable equipment

1 connection to the swimming pool controller

Control integration for 2 saunas and 1 hammam

Integration with 25 existing lighting contactors

1

First, we build a mathematical model for each club and each piece of engineering equipment, based on hygienic air quality requirements for active training areas (CO₂ levels, temperature), actual occupancy data for gyms, showers and SPA zones, operating schedules, and external weather conditions.

2

Based on this model, the system calculates the required capacity of engineering systems in real time and automatically controls ventilation, air conditioning, domestic hot water (DHW), and lighting — delivering optimal comfort without unnecessary energy use.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Operating modes were adapted to actual occupancy levels.

Result:

Up to 50% reduction in ventilation energy consumption, saving 7,860 kWh per month (~£700).

A twofold reduction in ventilation energy consumption after implementing occupancy-based control algorithms.

Boilers and Domestic Hot Water (DHW)

Water heating temperatures were reduced from 80 °C to 60–70 °C, with automated scheduling and demand-based operation.

Result:

Up to 20% energy savings (~10,500 kWh or ~£940 per month) with no loss of comfort.

Reduced boiler energy consumption after switching from continuous heating to demand-based control.

Air Conditioning

Night-time shutdowns were introduced, along with reduced morning peak loads.

Result:

Air conditioning energy consumption reduced by ~2,370 kWh per month (~£215).

Air conditioning energy reduction achieved through night-time shutdowns.

Manual control of air conditioning systems remains available to the fitness club’s operations team upon request.

Comparative Analysis of Sauna and Hammam Energy Efficiency Across the Network

Identification of heat losses and inefficient facilities without on-site visits

Fault Detection

The system detected equipment anomalies, such as excessive steam generator consumption caused by faulty exhaust ventilation.

Result:

Within 14 days, 1,680 kWh (~£130) in excess energy costs were prevented.

Issues were resolved without breakdowns or customer complaints.

Increased steam generator consumption due to improper exhaust operation.

During monitoring, groups of devices with constant energy consumption were also identified, where automated control was implemented at a later stage.

For example, underfloor heating in SPA areas was not regularly switched off at night. Automating shutdown reduced consumption by ~52 kWh per day, or 1,570 kWh (~£120) per month per club.

Monitoring the Landlord’s Engineering Systems

Air velocity transmitter were installed to monitor system performance against contractual parameters.

Result:

Deviations were detected and corrected promptly. Gym temperatures were reduced from 23–24 °C to 20–22 °C, which resuted in air-conditioning consumption decrease by ~45% (~£1,680).

When significant deviations from contractual ventilation performance are detected, automatic notifications are also sent. Club managers or senior managers then coordinate with the landlord’s engineering teams to restore contract-compliant operation. Deviations between actual and contractual ventilation performance.