Success Stories FTC Gym FTC Gym Providing cutting-edge renewable energy solutions to power and future-proof accessible, affordable, and sustainable fitness journeys. Main Contractor: DPL Group Project Value: Circa £55k Services: Renewable Energy DPL Group’s installation of renewable energy works for FTC Gym FTC Gym was established to provide the community with accessible, affordable fitness equipment and services, catering for beginners, through to seasoned fitness fanatics. The gym is governed by ukactive, which is a national initiative, partnering with FTC which shares their vision of getting “more people, more active, more often”. ukactive partners with over 4,000 other facilities, groups, and businesses nationwide, and in November 2023, launched Sustainable Futures, a programme designed to support the physical activity sector’s transition to net zero. With energy usage and sustainability presenting sector-wide challenges, ukactive has pledged to support its members on their journey to decarbonisation, reducing their energy consumption and costs in the short and long term. FTC’s premises in Ipswich house air conditioning facilities, and DPL partnered with FTC to recommend and install a more suitable cooling solution to mitigate the high costs incurred by their existing air conditioning in the summer. We were introduced to FTC gym by a local contact, and our team had first-hand experience of the facilities, nuances, and requirements of the premises, with some DPL employees being members of the gym. Challenges The exacting needs of the gym, and the conditions required to ensure an optimal environment for its members meant that we worked very closely with the client to understand their existing energy consumption data. The seasonality of the energy consumption meant we needed to recommend and install a solution that could maximise cost and carbon reduction. To do this, we plotted their energy consumption data against their new design system, leveraging solar energy most efficiently. The report and personal attention to detail enabled us to install a system that met their exacting needs and satisfy the requirements of ukactive’s Sustainable Futures programme, integral to their long-term partnership. As such, the solar installation was supported by the trust the gym owner had in DPL’s team, who are end users of the system, as FTC members. In addition to installing the 44-module solar panel system, with a total PV Generator Surface of 87.4m^2, we installed an electric vehicle charger (EVC) to further support their sustainability initiatives. Over 20 years in buildings infrastructure Name any industry, sector or type of building and we’ll have provided design, build and maintenance services for its power, light, heating, cooling, data, safety and security systems. And with concerns rising around costs and environmental impact, you’ll benefit from our expertise in greater efficiency and renewable energy sources. Speak to an expert Result The investment in solar panels has a payback time scale of 6.5 years, but more importantly, it has reduced the air conditioning running costs significantly. The 44-module system (OSDA ODA405-27V-MH) is powered by an RHI-6K-48ES-5G+2 X PureDrive (10kWh) battery system, one Solis S5-GR3P8K inverter and one RHI-3P10K-HVES-5G inverter. In its first summer, the system is yielding exceptional results. FTC Gym has reduced its CO2 emissions by 3,791 kg/year. In addition, it completely supports FTC’s partnership with ukactive, and their joint sustainability goals. In addition, the gym environment now better caters to its users, at a lower cost to the client and the environment, enabling FTC to invest more heavily in state-of-the-art equipment to support its members’ fitness journeys. However, this project was exemplified by the importance of local, personal relationships, backed by our reputation for providing cutting-edge solar PV solutions to businesses in the region. FTC was so impressed with the way we tailored the air conditioning and power solution to their exacting needs, that they have referred us directly to the ukactive Gym Association, where we hope we will make similar sustainability inroads for other like-minded businesses in the sector. “As a gym operator, we had two primary reasons for installing solar PV panels. First, to solidify our position at the forefront of sustainability. As one of the greenest gyms in the UK, we are committed to enhancing our environmental responsibility by increasing the gym’s eco-friendliness and working towards carbon neutrality. Second, with fluctuating energy prices, it was essential to reduce our energy costs while maintaining a comfortable environment for our members. Air conditioning can be expensive to operate, but solar panels offered a cost-effective solution. By generating more energy than we consume during the summer, we’ve achieved cost-neutral energy use and we can even power our business electric vehicle at no extra cost. I’m very pleased with the work DPL have done for me.” John Grindrod (FTC Gym Director) Working on the project A group of passionate individuals all working towards the same goal: delivering excellence for clients in all aspects of building systems installation. From large-scale commercial, corporate and manufacturing premises through to high street retail and domestic properties of all sizes, we’ll have dealt with it before. See the whole team Find out about careers at DPL Nic Evans Renewable Energy Manager Nic Evans Renewable Energy Manager When did you start working for DPL? – January 2022 What are three key responsibilities within your job role? – To provide our clients with the best advice Accurately specify works to keep the costs down for our customers whilst protecting the company’s interests To support my colleagues across the business where we have multi-discipline enquiries. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? – Built client confidence which led to securing a £2.6m order with a prestigious brand. What do you enjoy most about working for DPL? – Every day is different and I have the pleasure of working with a great bunch of people. The company provides everyone with opportunities for personal growth and development, which is invaluable. Dale Lambert Solar PV Contracts Manager Dale Lambert Solar PV Contracts Manager When did you start working for DPL? – March 2008 What are three responsibilities within your job role? – Managing the day to day activities within the Solar department. Supervising domestic and commercial installations. Certification and handover of all solar installations. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? – Becoming a leader within a large department responsible for all solar installations. What do you enjoy most about working for DPL? – I really enjoy being part of the large operation DPL have become. Although they have grown significantly during my time here, I still feel the company holds their traditional values. Building excellence from the ground up Success Stories Success Mediterranean Shipping Company View case study Success Galloper Wind Farm View case study Success Perrywood Garden Centre View case study View all success stories Optimise your building’s systems Get in touch to speak to an expert about your service or sector needs. Simply complete the contact form and one of our specialists will be in touch shortly. DPL Group Ltd. Units 2 – 4 Greenwich Business Park Greenwich Close, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0DD T: 01473 253 350 E: info@dpl-group.co.uk "*" indicates required fields 1. I am interested inI am interested in*General EnquiryCareersCommercial Solar PVDesign & Build Contract ServiceDomestic Solar PVElectricalEnergy Efficient Lighting & Emergency LightingEV ChargingFacilities MaintenanceFire & SecurityInstallLocal Authority Solar PVMechanical2. Personal DetailsFirst name* Last name* Company Email address* Phone number3. 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