Green title for leisure centres

9:07am Monday 20th August 2007

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SOUTHEND'S leisure centres are close to becoming carbon neutral thanks to the hard work of staff.

Creating Leisure, the company which runs the centres across the town, has achieved a Government environmental management standard, which recognises efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The company is bidding to cut its use of fossil-based energy sources and maximise renewable energy sources.

Staff are reducing carbon emissions by checking temperatures, recycling glass and cardboard, installing energy timers on vending machines and ensuring light bulbs are disposed of properly.

A recycling facility has been established in the car parks of all the centres for staff and customers to use.

Ian Robertson, Southend councillor for waste, said: "We can all follow the example of Creating Leisure by taking small steps to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste.

"The leisure centres are not only keeping people healthy - they are keeping the planet healthy as well."