BH Live is marking a year of significant progress in its pledge to be more sustainable.
Over the past 12 months, the registered charity has worked closely with local authorities and partners to accelerate its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing local biodiversity at its leisure and event venues across Dorset, Hampshire, and Croydon.
Every BH Live managed leisure centre and venue has achieved Green Mark Level 2 accreditation, recognising its environmental management practices and commitment to continuous improvement.
Sustainable investment
One of the most prominent areas is the introduction of more solar panels across BH Live’s estate. In February 2025, BH Live installed more than 90 new solar panels at Littledown Centre in Bournemouth, offsetting around 23 tonnes of carbon every year and generating over 41,000 kWh of renewable energy, enough to power more than 15 UK homes for a year.
Furthermore, thanks to funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, Portsmouth City Council installed more than 500 solar panels at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, which are expected to supply 90% of the centre’s electricity.
The same fund also enabled Southampton City Council to install a major solar array at BH Live Active, The Quays in December 2025, projected to generate 90,669 kWh of clean energy each year, save around £18,000, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 16 tonnes.
BH Live has also expanded its electric fleet to further reduce operational carbon emissions. This follows the installation of brand-new EV (electric vehicle) chargers at Sir David English Sports Centre in November 2024, supporting more sustainable travel options for colleagues and visitors.
Biodiversity and community wellbeing
BH Live is committed to making a positive environmental impact in the local communities they serve too. BH Live’s Portsmouth Interaction’s Conservation Group has been supporting the local community since 2017 in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the group recorded nearly 400 attendances, with volunteers delivering an average of 11.5 hours of conservation work each week. Activities include clearing litter, removing unwanted saplings, and maintaining green spaces across Hilsea. Since its inception, the group has planted more than 450 trees.
In summer 2025, two rooftop hives were installed in partnership with local charity Bee Mission 500 on Bournemouth International Centre’s rooftops. The bees now help pollinate Bournemouth Gardens and surrounding green spaces, supporting local biodiversity.
Sir David English Sports Centre has created a designated wild space outside the centre, planting wildflowers and grasses to enhance greenery and support local pollinators for years to come.
BH Live has also joined BCP Council’s Climate Partnership Forum, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful environmental action with local partners for communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Looking to the future
As BH Live looks ahead to the coming year, there’s a real sense of excitement. More improvements, new partnerships, and fresh ideas are already taking shape, all helping BH Live create greener, healthier communities.
Going forward, the charity has also pulled together a five-year environmental strategy plan to continue reviewing opportunities to minimise its energy usage, and introduce more efficient processes across its leisure centres and venues.
On behalf of BH Live, David Marsh, Sustainability and Energy Manager, shared;
“It’s been an incredibly exciting year for us. Every improvement, investment, and sustainable measure we introduce helps us reduce our carbon footprint, reduce costs, and create more sustainable spaces for our communities. We look forward to continuing this momentum throughout 2026.”
Councillor John Savage, Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Green City and Net Zero, said:
“This is a fantastic example of how investing in renewable energy brings real benefits to our communities. By reducing the running costs and carbon footprint of The Quays, we’re helping to secure its future as a valued local facility while supporting Southampton’s transition to a cleaner, greener city.”
Cllr Barrett, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Greening the City, said:
“As a council we are committed to creating a cleaner, greener city and we’re delighted with the sustainability progress BH Live has achieved. Our strong partnership is helping reduce carbon emissions, improve our facilities, and protect local green spaces for residents. Well done to everyone involved.”
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said:
“It’s great to see BH Live’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and supporting biodiversity across our communities which strongly aligns with BCP Council’s sustainability ambitions.
“We’re pleased that BH Live has joined the BCP Climate Partnership Forum, as well. By working together through the partnership, we can share knowledge, deliver meaningful environmental action that benefits residents now and in the future.”
More information about BH Live is available at bhlive.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues – a registered charity and social enterprise.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
Our organisational and charitable purpose are to generate:
- More participation – through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health, and well-being
- Higher audiences – through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience
- Greater economic and social benefit – through hosting major conferences, exhibitions, and events for the benefit of the local, regional, and international economies and people
Working with support from our partners, we pursue our social objectives in a financially sustainable way.
We manage a diverse portfolio of venues and facilities, with millions of visits per year. Our geographical reach spans across 15 venues and attractions across the Bournemouth (BCP) and Portsmouth conurbations, together with Fairfield Halls in Croydon.
We operate in various market sectors, including sport and leisure, entertainment, conferences and exhibitions, hospitality, and catering services. Whilst each has its market focus, they have much in common and much to share.
Charitable activities are delivered by BH Live, with trading activities being delivered by BH Live Enterprises Limited (any surplus made by the trading subsidiary is gift-aided in full to the charity).
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners, we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
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BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.