David Lloyd Leisure Clubs

David Lloyd Leisure Centres enhanced energy efficiency across multiple sites by integrating Optiburner technology. This initiative led to substantial savings, reduced carbon emissions, and demonstrated the value of innovative energy management strategies in maintaining operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
£305K
Total utility bill savings
537 t
Annual CO2 savings
12
Payback period in months
17%
Energy savings

Introduction

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.

Project Background

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.

Implementation of Energy-Saving Technologies

1. Dynamic Burner Management Units (DBMUs)

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).

2. ValveWrap Insulation

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.

Financial Outcomes

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.

Conclusion

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.

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Free consultation

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.

Site visit and assessment

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.

Installation and configuration

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.

Post-installation support and training

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.

Some questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions and queries when businesses like yours are considering boiler optimisation.
What is the Optiburner, and how does it work?

The Optiburner's Dynamic Burner Management Unit (DBMU) is an advanced control system designed to optimise the efficiency of industrial boilers. It works by altering the boiler’s firing pattern, creating fewer but slightly longer burn periods. This reduces the overall time the boiler is burning, leading to significant fuel savings—typically between 15% and 30%—without compromising the building’s heating performance.

How much can I expect to save on my fuel bills with Optiburner?

On average, businesses that install Optiburner see a reduction in heating fuel consumption of 15% to 30%. The exact savings depend on factors such as boiler size, usage patterns, and building insulation. Most users experience a return on investment within 3 to 18 months.

Will installing the Optiburner affect the performance or lifespan of my boiler?

No, installing the Optiburner will not negatively impact your boiler’s performance or lifespan. In fact, by optimising the burn cycles, the DBMU can help extend the life of your boiler by reducing unnecessary wear and tear. The unit is designed to work seamlessly with your existing system, ensuring consistent heating while lowering fuel consumption.

Is the Optiburner installation disruptive, and how long does it take?

The installation of the Optiburner is quick and minimally disruptive. Our qualified technicians can typically complete the retrofit in a few hours, and only require access to the boiler room. Most installations are done with little to no impact on your daily operations.

What industries are best suited for Optiburner?

Optiburner is ideal for industries that rely heavily on heating systems, such as education, healthcare, hospitality, and sports and leisure facilities. It is especially beneficial in environments with high heating demands, where significant fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions can be achieved.

Is the Optiburner certified, and how can I verify its savings?

Yes, Optiburner is the only boiler optimiser certified by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Additionally, each Optiburner comes with a unique feature that allows you to download a Savings Report. This report provides real-time data on the fuel savings achieved, eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming ‘through the meter’ tests.

"Optiburner reduced our heating expenses by almost 30% while maintaining comfort. The fast installation and immediate cost savings have made it an essential part of our energy efficiency plan."

John Smith
Facilities Manager