Page 15 - Towards A Sustainable Future , Phase 3 2025, E-Book_Neat

of occupancy-based adjustments, especially during off- direction. Additionally, partnering with eco-friendly suppliers
peak hours. Additionally, traditional cardio equipment like for gym products and cleaning materials could further reduce
treadmills, spin bikes, and elliptical machines relies heavily on the gym's impact on the environment.
electricity. Yet, the kinetic energy generated during workouts
remains untapped, representing a missed opportunity for Considering its 24/7 operations and the substantial energy
energy recovery. Furthermore, the gym's reliance on artificial usage, there is considerable potential for the gym to adopt
lighting, televisions, and charging stations significantly adds to more innovative and sustainable practices. For instance, the
the energy demand, particularly during nighttime operations. energy generation capabilities of cardio equipment—such
as the energy-harvesting spin bikes—could be harnessed to
offset the gym's electricity usage, reducing its reliance on
Good Environmental Practices external energy sources. Furthermore, refurbishing older
In terms of sound environmental practices, the gym currently equipment, like spin bikes due for condemnation, would not
exhibits a limited commitment to sustainability, particularly only extend the lifecycle of the machines but also reduce
considering its 24/7 operation. The most notable practice in waste and the need for new resources. By adopting a more
place is the manual switching off of lights and air conditioning systematic and proactive approach to energy management
during off-peak hours, a basic but necessary energy-saving and waste reduction, the gym could significantly improve its
measure. However, this action alone falls short in addressing environmental impact. These small yet meaningful changes
the broader environmental impact of the gym's continuous could pave the way for a more sustainable future, where the
operation, where electricity consumption remains high due gym contributes not only to members' fitness goals but also to
to the constant powering of lights, machines, and ventilation the broader goal of environmental stewardship.
systems.

Although turning off lights and air conditioning during non- Eco-Solution 1
peak hours helps mitigate some of the energy consumption, it To address the growing need for sustainable energy solutions,
is a reactive, rather than proactive, approach. A more efficient we propose the implementation of power-generating gym
strategy could involve the implementation of innovative, bicycles capable of converting kinetic energy into electrical
sensor-based systems for lighting and climate control. These energy, with the potential to store this energy in batteries. This
systems would automatically adjust lighting and temperature innovative approach not only reduces reliance on conventional
based on real-time occupancy and activity levels, ensuring energy sources but also aligns with global sustainability goals
that energy is used only when needed. This would significantly by promoting energy efficiency in fitness facilities. Figure
enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste, especially during 1 illustrates the adaptations made to a spin bike to enable
the quieter hours when the gym sees minimal activity. this energy conversion, showcasing the modifications and
components added to the original design. Additionally,
Waste management practices within the gym are also limited. Figure 2 provides a detailed reading of the energy generated,
While the gym generates less organic waste compared to measured in watt-hours (Wh), which serves as the primary
other industries, there is still a notable amount of plastic waste metric for evaluating the system's performance.
produced from water bottles, packaging, and consumables. At
present, the gym lacks a comprehensive recycling or waste The proposed mechanism leverages the kinetic energy
reduction program, which could play a crucial role in minimising generated by individuals using old spin bikes, as seen in
its environmental footprint. Introducing designated recycling Figure 1(A). When the user pedals on the spin bike, it converts
stations, transitioning to reusable water bottles, and reducing mechanical energy into electrical energy.
reliance on single-use plastics would be steps in the right

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