Action Energy, a programme run by the Carbon Trust, is offering sport and leisure operators the chance to save money on energy costs.

An estimated £250m per year is spent by the sport and leisure industries on energy and Action Energy believes there is the potential to reduce this by up to 20 per cent through energy efficiency.

Swimming pools and ice rinks have the highest energy costs, followed by exercise rooms, internal and external game courts, team game pitches and gymnasiums.

Action Energy offers a free survey of current energy usage; interest-free Action Energy Loans to help smaller companies replace or upgrade existing facilities or equipment; expert guidance on lighting, heating and ventilation, air-conditioning and CHP systems; and annual 'Save energy at leisure' workshops.

Action Energy is funded by DEFRA, The Scottish Executive, Invest Northern Ireland and the National Assembly for Wales.

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