Back in 2022, AUSactive realised the urgent need to elevate sustainability within the active health and exercise sector when no applications were received for the newly created environmental award, in the National Awards Program.
Fast forward to today and AUSactive is proud to launch its ECOactive initiative nationwide.
With support from the City of Sydney Innovation Grant, AUSactive delivered a successful pilot program in 2024 with its members including KX Pilates, Fernwood Fitness, and One Playground to conduct environmental audits that identified a range of changes—from small, manageable adjustments to more significant transformations—that facilities could implement to become more environmentally friendly while also saving money.
AUSactive then partnered with 10Thousand Feet to conduct a survey of more than 375 Sydney active health and exercise members to understand their views on sustainability.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said “the member survey showed that businesses could become more attractive to potential members with a majority of our respondents indicating that their choice of facility would be influenced by its commitment to sustainability”.
“These insights have helped to shape the ECOactive initiative, which we are proud to be launching nationwide this week through the AUSactive iLearn platform.”
ECOactive iLearn Platform
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said, “the launch of the new ECOactive iLearn platform marks a significant step forward in leading the active health and exercise industry towards minimising its carbon footprint by providing comprehensive education, practical tools, and actionable insights to help facilities across the sector implement eco-friendly practices”.
“Our mission for our industry was inspired by a simple realisation that our environmental award category was not represented. This prompted us to investigate global sustainability trends within our sector and discover a wealth of innovative initiatives to support our members”. Mr Elvish said.
The ECOactive iLearn platform is available to all AUSactive members and includes six modules, which are focused on businesses and cover:
- Energy efficiency
- Waste reduction
- Water conservation
- Sustainable chemical choices.
Innovative Tool for NSW Members
The first of its kind, additional feature, is also available to AUSactive NSW members courtesy of eco-conscious start-up SpendWatt, on the AUSactive website.
With this tool, NSW members can easily drag and drop their energy bills to receive tailored recommendations on sustainable improvements, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or electric vehicles. in many cases, the monthly repayments for improvements such as solar panels, could be lower than businesses current yearly energy bills.
We are working towards making this innovative tool available to all AUSactive members.
ECOactive Launch Webinar
AUSactive will be hosting an ECOactive Launch Webinar this Wednesday 11 September to introduce the new educational iLearn platform.
Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024
Time: 1pm AEST
Registration: https://ausactive.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oOm_i9BJREWOTeIG3SpXcA
Mr Elvish said the ECOactive Program was a part of AUSactive’s commitment to support businesses to be more successful and standout from competitors.
“Undertaking the ECOactive iLearn course is a strategic move for businesses looking to reduce costs, enhance their environmental credentials, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
“It's a win-win opportunity that benefits both the business and the planet!”
AUSactive members can access the new ECOactive iLearn course through their dashboard at https://fitness.org.au/members/dashboard/login
For more information about the ECOactive Program visit https://ausactive.org.au/members/eco-active/
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
AUSactive media team
Media@ausactive.org.au
Barrie Elvish, AUSactive CEO
0403 466 629 | barrie.elvish@ausactive.org.au
EDITOR NOTES
Additional Information – Survey Findings
Findings from the recent ECOactive Survey conducted by 10THOUSANDFEET within the Sydney LGA area found:
- 64% of survey respondents indicated their choice of exercise centre would be affected by its efforts to be more sustainable
- Over 75% said they would be supportive of efforts taken by exercise centres to be more environmentally sustainable
- 82% said they are supportive of using more renewable energy in exercise centres
- 85% support the use of separate bins for recycling, organic waste and general waste
- 44% of survey respondents indemnify as fully committed to environmental segments
