A step towards net zero for David Lloyd Leisure

Overview of the challenge

David Lloyd Clubs have set an ambitious target to become net zero by 2030. One of the ways they’re achieving this is by generating their own renewable energy onsite.

In mid-2023, David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) approached Custom Solar, part of Mitie, to develop a selection of their clubs across the country as part of their wider solar PV rollout, with sites stretching from Exeter to Aberdeen.

Rolling out projects of this scale for a single client meant repeating the development stage, so getting it right first time was essential. This initial planning phase allowed us to allocate time and resource accurately before construction began.

Even with the best laid plans, we had to factor in a degree of flexibility. Faced with some changes to the client’s requirements, and conditions for landlord approvals of the works, meant an agile approach was necessary. To make sure we were sticking to the agreed programme delivery, the pre-construction development, on-site build and handover had to keep moving without delays.

Our approach

The Solar PV installations involved applying to Distribution Network Operators (DNO) for equipment connections and conducting site surveys for roof and structural suitability, electrical infrastructure integration and managing construction projects in busy public spaces.

An online portal was used to manage governance aspects, providing transparency and accountability for all stakeholders. A small team from Custom Solar handled the commercials, PV design, subcontracted construction, and operations and maintenance handovers.

Working on up to four projects across the country simultaneously was challenging, but site management kept in close contact with club staff to minimise disruptions and maintain installation standards and safety procedures. Before the first project began, a change in equipment specifications was implemented by DLL’s landlords and their insurers due to fire safety advancements in the PV industry. This required a redesign pause and input from technical advisors.

On completion of each site, an internal review was conducted to assess design, pre-construction processes, and on-site learning from working with DLL’s operations, identifying areas for improvement.

“At David Lloyd Clubs, we’ve set ourselves the target of becoming carbon net zero by 2030 which is 20 years ahead of the UK Government’s target. It’s a big challenge, but we have been working on a range of initiatives to help us reach our target, including generating our own renewable energy onsite. We’ve been working with Custom Solar, part of Mitie, since 2023 to roll out solar panels across a selection of our clubs and have been impressed with their professionalism and quality of work.”

The results

We’ve completed ten projects this year, which have been added to the client’s PV portfolio. These have generated 1.1 GWh (gigawatt hours) of electricity to be used by the clubs, which will continue to increase. The first club, commissioned in January 2024 in Southend, has a 289 kWp (kilowatts peak) system that has generated nearly 200 MWh (megawatt hours) in the first seven months of being operational. This is 26% of the club’s energy needs and equals 214 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved – equivalent to emissions produced by 96 return flights from London to New York.

Collaboration has been a major theme throughout the rollout. Not just between us and the client, but with the numerous stakeholders. This included Arcadis, who provided intermediary management and governance for the whole programme; Bernard Sims Associates, the principal designer; and the third-party technical advisors, who signed off completed projects on behalf of the landlords. By working in this way, we could adapt our processes as circumstances demanded. This has and will continue to create more efficient delivery for future work with the client.

A further six clubs are planned for delivery in late 2024/early 2025 as part of the next phase of projects. This will see the installation of an additional 3260 panels, totalling over 1.6 MWp of PV. We’re delighted to continue working with David Lloyd Leisure as they make strides towards their net zero commitment.

Why choose Mitie?

Custom Solar enables Mitie to deliver integrated solar power solutions in the public and private sectors. We make renewable energy accessible for our clients.