David Lloyd Leisure, a leading chain of over 70 leisure complexes across the UK, partnered with Dynamic Energy Products to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities. This case study highlights the successful implementation of Dynamic Burner Management Units (DBMUs) and insulation upgrades across multiple sites, leading to significant cost savings and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
David Lloyd Leisure centres, known for their extensive range of facilities including indoor tennis courts and swimming pools, faced the challenge of high energy consumption. Heating and hot water were primarily supplied by Ener-g CHP units and Hoval Euro SR 900kW boilers, which operated extensively throughout the day. To address this, Dynamic Energy Products was commissioned to install DBMUs at the Gidea Park site and to evaluate the potential savings from upgrading insulation on un-lagged valves and fittings using ValveWrap flexible insulation.
Following the success at Gidea Park, the project was expanded to include a further six sites, with the findings used to inform a budget and implementation plan for the entire estate.
The DBMUs were installed to optimise the efficiency of the existing boiler systems. These units were able to take themselves in and out of circuit automatically, providing real-time data on energy savings by comparing the cooling and firing times of the gas burners. This method demonstrated a 31% reduction in boiler firings over a 24-hour period, with minimal additional burn time required to maintain the desired temperature. The short-term Savings Report generated by the DBMUs validated these savings, which were consistent with the independent certification from the Building Research Establishment (CFP 348).
In addition to the DBMUs, ValveWrap insulation was applied to 50-60 large fittings at each site. This flexible insulation material provided an additional 2-3% energy saving by reducing heat loss from un-lagged valves and fittings. The combination of DBMUs and ValveWrap insulation resulted in overall energy savings of approximately 17% across the sites where testing was feasible.
The energy efficiency upgrades at David Lloyd Leisure Centres delivered significant financial and environmental benefits:
• Project Payback Period: Under 12 months.
• Total Utility Bill Savings: £305,000.
• CO2 Savings: Over 537 tonnes annually.
These results underscore the value of the energy-saving measures, with a rapid payback period and substantial ongoing savings in both costs and carbon emissions.
The collaboration between David Lloyd Leisure and Dynamic Energy Products resulted in a highly successful energy efficiency programme, with measurable improvements in energy consumption, cost savings, and environmental impact. This case study serves as a testament to the effectiveness of targeted energy interventions in large, complex leisure facilities.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our energy efficiency specialist will explain how the Optiburner DBMU works and create a customised burner management plan for your business. This plan ensures your ROI, maximises energy savings, and minimises carbon emissions. We also offer complete maintenance of the Boiler Optimisers as part of the package for complete peace of mind.
During the site visit, our BRE-certified engineers will comprehensively assess the compatibility of your boiler and heating systems. This thorough process is crucial to designing the optimal boiler optimisation setup, maximising energy savings, reducing fuel consumption, and guaranteeing payback within two years. We will then schedule an installation date that works best for your business.
Our BRE-certified engineers will install the Optiburner units in your boiler room and ensure everything complies with current health and safety regulations. The DBMU software will be updated and fine-tuned for your boiler type to ensure maximum performance and energy savings. The installation process is quick, minimally disruptive, and guarantees the safety and efficiency of your operations.
After installation and testing, our engineers will recommend supply and fit options, including retrofit installation and valve insulation. You will receive quick training on operating the Optiburner units and using the remote download feature to monitor and report energy savings easily. Expect to save 15% or more on energy bills over a year, with results in the downloadable Savings Report directly from the DBMU unit.