Energy Efficiency for Gyms: How Facilities of All Sizes Reduce Costs and Improve Member Experience
Energy efficiency for gyms helps reduce operating costs, improve member comfort, and streamline facility management. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all undertaking. Whether you own a 3,000 square foot studio, a 100,000 square foot facility, or something in between, you will have different business priorities, budgets, and challenges.
However, all gyms share an imperative to facilitate a comfortable environment for members and a need to keep energy costs low.
Below are three case studies showing energy efficiency for gyms in action and demonstrating how diverse fitness facilities can reduce energy waste and streamline operations with no upfront capital required.
Gym Energy Efficiency Case Studies: Real Results Across Facility Sizes
Healthtrax, a big gym with complex needs
One of Budderfly’s customers is Healthtrax in East Providence, Rhode Island. This 30,000 square foot facility needed to update 40-year-old equipment that was causing inefficiency and costly repairs. The facility’s size meant it needed 12 new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units replaced, plus other energy-saving solutions throughout—all while keeping its doors open.
Healthtrax has unique needs as a complex facility with squash courts, ride studios, yoga studios, pools, wide open floor gyms, and a daycare center—all of which have different temperature setpoint and airflow needs. Plus, for the Healthtrax team, it was essential that new equipment installation didn’t disrupt daily operations across the facility.
It was a complicated and costly project, but Budderfly handled it all for Healthtrax. We managed the operation, collaborating across teams and making a plan that would ensure that Healthtrax’s needs were met and that members could maintain not only facility access but comfort while old equipment was replaced.
“There was no major inconvenience for us or members. The coordination was great — cranes, timing, communication — it all went smoothly. I didn’t hear a single complaint. First-class operation.” (Steve Capezzone, Owner at Healthtrax)
Key Results:
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No disruption during installation
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Better targeted temperature setpoint and airflow
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Reduced equipment repair frequency
Orangetheory, a boutique studio with a premium member experience
Orangetheory Fitness is a boutique fitness studio whose customers expect an exceptional level of climate control during their classes, with consistent temperatures and humidity controls.
Our customer Empire Portfolio Group (EPG) is one of Orangetheory Fitness’s largest franchise operators. Aging equipment had been challenging the luxury environment Orangetheory members expect, so EPG partnered with Budderfly to upgrade its studios with premium HVAC systems that would enhance the member experience.
Budderfly covered the cost of all upgrades and installations at more than 50 studios, enabling EPG to preserve capital for strategic investments, such as expanding its footprint, improving equipment, and supporting its people.
Since installation, there has been an immediate improvement in member comfort and satisfaction, significant reduction in HVAC downtime, and consistent temperature and humidity management through proactive monitoring and maintenance that Budderfly provides.
“It's a win-win-win: better for members, better for our business, and better for the planet.” Mitch Benson (Partner & SVP of Business Operations, EPG)
See how Orangetheory improved gym energy efficiency and reduced HVAC downtime.
Key Results:
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Better temperature and humidity management
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Reduced HVAC downtime
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Capital preserved for other investments
YMCA, a large-scale network of community gyms
Another Budderfly customer is YMCA of Greensboro. CEO Rhonda Anderson wanted a scalable solution that could implement energy efficiency solutions at all six of its locations to reduce energy consumption and lower gym energy costs. She understood that managing these upgrades in-house would take too much time and capital, so she needed an energy management partner for fitness facilities who could help.
Since our partnership began, Budderfly has invested over $1,277,897 in HVAC upgrades for gyms, LED lighting, smart thermostats, and more for the Greensboro facilities.
After just 3 years of partnership with Budderfly, YMCA of Greensboro had saved 1,700,000 kWh in energy—equivalent to 268 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year. Partnering with Budderfly has helped the organization make an even larger impact on the community and environment with zero capital expenditure.
Plus, having Budderfly manage energy at all six locations has helped streamline operations. Budderfly now manages their utilities, leaving them with one easy-to-read monthly statement for full transparency into their monthly spending and savings.
“I’m excited to see the progress we’ve made working with Budderfly. It’s clear that what we have done is not only good for the YMCA, but also for the environment.” -Rhonda Anderson, President & CEO, Greensboro YMCA
Explore how YMCA of Greensboro achieved large-scale gym energy savings.
Key Results:
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1,700,000 kWh in energy saved
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Streamlined operations across 6 locations
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Improved utility bill transparency
An Energy Efficiency Solution That Works for All Gyms
Budderfly works with fitness businesses to eliminate their energy and water waste and to streamline operations with no upfront capital required.* In addition to the brands above, we’ve partnered with Crunch, Choice Fitness, Mountainside Fitness, All Sport Health & Fitness, and many others. We install cutting-edge equipment and technologies that drive down energy consumption, and we provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance that keeps facilities operating at their best. And we do it all without risking the customer experience.
Whether you operate a boutique studio or a multi-location fitness network, investing in energy efficiency for gyms can significantly reduce costs and improve member satisfaction.
*For standard installations
FAQs About Energy Efficiency for Gyms
How can gyms reduce energy costs?
Gyms can reduce energy costs by upgrading HVAC systems, installing LED lighting, using smart thermostats, and implementing energy management services that optimize usage without disrupting operations.
What is the biggest energy expense in a gym?
HVAC systems are typically the largest energy expense in gyms due to continuous heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements.
Can gyms improve energy efficiency without upfront costs?
Yes. With Budderfly’s energy-as-a-service model, most gyms can upgrade equipment and reduce waste with no upfront capital investment.
Does energy efficiency impact member experience?
Yes—improvements in HVAC and lighting systems often enhance temperature control, air quality, and overall comfort, leading to higher member satisfaction.