Businesses across the globe are recognizing the benefits of going green. They're not only adopting an environmental-friendly culture within the four walls of their offices, but also encouraging their employees to embrace it as a way of life.
So, it was only a matter of time before fitness facilities and gyms joined the green revolution brewing within the corporate world. Fitness facilities across the country are now beginning to implement environmentally responsible business practices to increase their carbon footprint.
Before we delve any deeper into some of the eco friendly practices that a fitness facility can incorporate into its operations, let's look at the benefits a health studio is likely to enjoy on account of going green.
1. More and more people are making environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives. It makes them feel responsible and helps them contribute to the community in some way. Running an eco-friendly business will help fitness centers attract such clients as well as earn their respect and loyalty.
2. Being labeled "green" will boost the image of a fitness facility as a socially responsible business. Adopting certain green practices may also translate into tax benefits for the business.
3. No business remains unaware of the fact that using energy-efficient products and practices can save costs for them. Making recycling, reuse, and conservation your business motto will bring in financial advantages sooner than you can say "green."
4. A green fitness center design may receive recognition or certification from prestigious organizations like Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).
Gym Design – How to go Green
Needless to say, business owners have to start thinking "green" right from the planning stage itself if they want to incorporate environment-friendly practices in to their day-to-day operations.
If you start your green fitness center planning by bringing on board a consultant, you will be better off for it. A professional will bring in insights into the various ways your business can go "green" and set an example for others in the industry to follow.
As a starting point, here are a few things you can do paint your business green:
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of equipment form a big part of a fitness facility's daily operations. Promoting the use of natural and organic cleaners is beneficial for not just the patrons of the gym, but also for the employees and technicians servicing the machines. Since these products are all natural, the service technicians and staff of a fitness center are not exposed to harsh chemicals and any ill-effects thereof while carrying out their duties.
These products are gentler and don't require additional costs associated with safety gear like masks or gloves when being used.
Most natural cleaning agents are also odorless and help maintain a healthy, non-toxic environment for the clients who frequent the fitness facility.
Water and Electricity
Water and electricity are two resources that any fitness facility makes generous use of. Just think about it. High power fitness equipment operating through the day; lighting, cooling and heating systems that run constantly; showers that are frequently used; towels that need regular washing – all of this adds up to thousands of dollars in electricity and water bills.
So, how can you lower these costs and maintain a "green" environment inside your fitness facility at the same time? The answer is simple – by using energy efficient alternatives wherever possible.
Energy saving bulbs, motion sensors lighting that gets switched on only when there is movement, and using natural sources of light to the extent possible are some ways of bringing your electricity costs down. You can also install self-powered exercise equipment that run on the user's energy instead of electricity.
As far as water is concerned, conserving and recycling go hand in hand to cut costs and reduce wastage.
Flooring
It's important to choose your flooring options carefully when creating your fitness center design. Bamboo, cork, and recycled rubber are both eco-friendly and attractive alternatives.
If you want a carpeted facility, there is a new product in the market called hemp carpets. Hemp is a renewable and one of the most abundantly available resources. Aside from being eco friendly, hemp carpets are low maintenance, cost-effective, and sturdy.
These are but just a few ways to make your fitness facility an environmentally responsible one. There are many other "green" initiatives you can take to lead the way to a better future for planet Earth!
So, it was only a matter of time before fitness facilities and gyms joined the green revolution brewing within the corporate world. Fitness facilities across the country are now beginning to implement environmentally responsible business practices to increase their carbon footprint.
Before we delve any deeper into some of the eco friendly practices that a fitness facility can incorporate into its operations, let's look at the benefits a health studio is likely to enjoy on account of going green.
1. More and more people are making environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives. It makes them feel responsible and helps them contribute to the community in some way. Running an eco-friendly business will help fitness centers attract such clients as well as earn their respect and loyalty.
2. Being labeled "green" will boost the image of a fitness facility as a socially responsible business. Adopting certain green practices may also translate into tax benefits for the business.
3. No business remains unaware of the fact that using energy-efficient products and practices can save costs for them. Making recycling, reuse, and conservation your business motto will bring in financial advantages sooner than you can say "green."
4. A green fitness center design may receive recognition or certification from prestigious organizations like Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).
Gym Design – How to go Green
Needless to say, business owners have to start thinking "green" right from the planning stage itself if they want to incorporate environment-friendly practices in to their day-to-day operations.
If you start your green fitness center planning by bringing on board a consultant, you will be better off for it. A professional will bring in insights into the various ways your business can go "green" and set an example for others in the industry to follow.
As a starting point, here are a few things you can do paint your business green:
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of equipment form a big part of a fitness facility's daily operations. Promoting the use of natural and organic cleaners is beneficial for not just the patrons of the gym, but also for the employees and technicians servicing the machines. Since these products are all natural, the service technicians and staff of a fitness center are not exposed to harsh chemicals and any ill-effects thereof while carrying out their duties.
These products are gentler and don't require additional costs associated with safety gear like masks or gloves when being used.
Most natural cleaning agents are also odorless and help maintain a healthy, non-toxic environment for the clients who frequent the fitness facility.
Water and Electricity
Water and electricity are two resources that any fitness facility makes generous use of. Just think about it. High power fitness equipment operating through the day; lighting, cooling and heating systems that run constantly; showers that are frequently used; towels that need regular washing – all of this adds up to thousands of dollars in electricity and water bills.
So, how can you lower these costs and maintain a "green" environment inside your fitness facility at the same time? The answer is simple – by using energy efficient alternatives wherever possible.
Energy saving bulbs, motion sensors lighting that gets switched on only when there is movement, and using natural sources of light to the extent possible are some ways of bringing your electricity costs down. You can also install self-powered exercise equipment that run on the user's energy instead of electricity.
As far as water is concerned, conserving and recycling go hand in hand to cut costs and reduce wastage.
Flooring
It's important to choose your flooring options carefully when creating your fitness center design. Bamboo, cork, and recycled rubber are both eco-friendly and attractive alternatives.
If you want a carpeted facility, there is a new product in the market called hemp carpets. Hemp is a renewable and one of the most abundantly available resources. Aside from being eco friendly, hemp carpets are low maintenance, cost-effective, and sturdy.
These are but just a few ways to make your fitness facility an environmentally responsible one. There are many other "green" initiatives you can take to lead the way to a better future for planet Earth!
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