The Gym Group is the world’s first gym operator to have its science-based net-zero emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, decarbonising these emissions by 2035 and delivering net zero by 2045. To deliver on these ambitious targets The Gym Group is committed to pioneering sector-leading sustainability initiatives and has been working with Mitsubishi Electric to help deliver low emission, sustainable and reliable heating and cooling systems for its gyms.
One of the locations trialling this system is city-centre London gym, The Gym Group Oxford Street, located a short walk away from Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus underground stations. The gym has been using the MELCLoud control system for over 18 months to help monitor and control the air conditioning throughout the facility.
The cooling and heating of the gym is provided by two external City Multi VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) PUHY condensing units which serve 14 PLFY 4-way blow ceiling cassettes throughout the gym, which are suitable for ceilings up to 4.2 metres in height. Three smaller Mr Slim PUZ-ZM air conditioning systems with PLA-ZM ceiling cassettes serve the changing rooms and staff offices. The air conditioning is connected to the MELCloud system which allows for remote access, monitoring, and control.
The second gym to trial this technology was The Gym Group Beverley in Yorkshire. One City Multi PURY VRF air conditioning system serves two PLFY ceiling cassettes in the main gym area, while also providing hot water for the showers via a City Multi PWFY sanitary water heater, which recovers excess heat from the VRF air conditioning to deliver hot water up to 70°C. Two Mr Slim PUHZ-ZRP units feed cooling and heating to four ceiling cassettes in other areas of the gym, and a Mr Slim PUZ-ZM condenser serving the staff area. All the units used for the hot water and air conditioning are connected to the MELCloud system, which monitors data which can then be used to identify daily peak loads and optimise the site.
“We are committed to testing new systems and technology to deliver on our carbon-reduction targets, and it’s great to work with partners like Mitsubishi Electric to identify the best solutions for our business. The two gyms we selected to trial the MELCloud have different layouts, size and usage so they’ve been ideal for us to use as test beds for the controller,” said David Melhuish, chief development and sustainability officer for The Gym Group.
MELCloud provides live centralised control, enabling daily, weekly, and seasonal timers to provide complete flexibility for all the air conditioning, heating, and heat recovery ventilation systems. The control system has now been rolled out across 27 sites across the country and The Gym Group are working with Mitsubishi Electric to identify more locations where this technology could benefit its operations.
The new facilities available with MELCLoud Commercial will enable The Gym Group to increase the reporting and alerts function of the controller, to ensure maximum efficiency and carbon reduction. The improved functionality will also help minimise downtime, increase the effectiveness of the service and maintenance regimes and help to increase the lifespan of the equipment.