The aim of the EnergieSpH research project is to provide a better overview of the energy situation of gyms in Germany, to derive applicable measures for reducing final energy consumption and to develop a system for the differentiated measurement and reduction of the actual final energy consumption of gyms.
According to studies by the Öko-Institut (D. Bleher, Öko-Institut, Frankfurt/M. 2016), the annual emissions of all German sports facilities amount to around 7.4 million tons of CO2. These emissions are caused by the operation of gyms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, shooting ranges and uncovered sports facilities. This corresponds approximately to the CO2 emissions of a city like Essen and illustrates the important role of sports facilities in terms of climate protection. In particular the emissions from the operation of gyms (34 percent) and indoor swimming pools (31 percent) account for almost two thirds of the total emissions. In addition, the building stock no longer meets the requirements for a sustainable and climate-neutral society. There is a great need for refurbishment in order to make buildings future-proof in the long term . The federal and state governments have already launched their own funding programs in the past to address the refurbishment backlog. According to calculations by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the need for renovation amounts to 31 billion Euros. Due to their large roof areas, gyms have the potential to use photovoltaics or green roofs and can therefore contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. In Berlin, new buildings must always be built “PV-ready”.
There is also great untapped potential in existing buildings, but also successful examples, as shown by the Badischer Sportbund.
It should be noted that there is a lack of a systematic overview for gym operators as to which measures lead to the highest energy savings or have the most favourable cost-benefit ratio, which bundles of measures should be planned together, which different user behaviour and usage profiles can be derived from the different user groups and types of sport and which specific construction measures should be prioritized.
Through interviews and in collaboration with experts, further research gaps are also uncovered. The handout is intended to enable administrations to make suitable decisions during the planning process that result in significant energy savings. It is also intended to show which measures are particularly important and successful in terms of converting gyms for a climate-neutral future.
The main project objectives are:
- To provide an overview of the energy situation of gyms in Germany
- To highlight options for action
- To uncover potential savings
- To develop a guideline for action to
- Measure and reduce the final energy consumption of existing gyms
- Identify research gaps and needs in the field of energy efficiency
- By involving the advisory board:
- Publicizing the measurement system in the scientific community
- And promoting acceptance and application of the system
- Through transfer measures:
- Make results accessible,
- Support exchange between stakeholders,
- Promote actual application of the measures in practice
The project comprises the following work packages:
- Analysis of the current state of knowledge and technology
- Creation of a guideline for action
- Integration of science and practice
- Transfer measure
Target Group:
The project and its results are aimed at planners, operators and users of gyms in the DIN 18032-1 building class.
Advisory board:
The advisory board comprises 9 people from science, practice, associations, authorities and other relevant stakeholders. The project advisory board is to accompany the development of the recording system, provide feedback and support its implementation in practice.
The task of the advisory board is to accompany and advise the work of the project team, to discuss the central work steps and interim results and to make suggestions for improvement. Furthermore, the members’ networks can be used to promote the transfer measures. (The advisory board intervenes in the course of the project by making recommendations for the subsequent work steps or reflecting on completed subtasks.
