Key Points
- Edinburgh Leisure has won the first national sustainability gold award for its food composting project.
- The award recognises outstanding efforts in food waste reduction at sport and leisure venues.
- The groundbreaking initiative sets a new standard for sustainability in the sector.
- The announcement was made on 2nd February 2026.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 2, 2026 – Edinburgh Leisure has secured the inaugural national sustainability gold award for its pioneering food composting sites, marking a significant milestone in reducing food waste across sport and leisure facilities.
The award highlights the organisation’s innovative approach to composting food waste generated at its venues, establishing a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the industry.
What is the national sustainability award Edinburgh Leisure won?
Edinburgh Leisure received the 2026 gold award from Community Leisure UK, which specifically honours excellence in food waste reduction within sport and leisure settings. According to reporting by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, the composting project represents groundbreaking work that transforms food waste management practices.
As reported by Edinburgh Leisure press team of Edinburgh Leisure, the initiative has set a new standard for sustainability by effectively composting food waste on-site at multiple facilities.
How did Edinburgh Leisure achieve this sustainability milestone?
The organisation implemented a comprehensive composting programme across its network of sports and leisure centres, diverting significant volumes of food waste from landfill. Coverage from Midlothian View notes the project’s role in promoting eco-friendly practices tailored to high-traffic venues.
What specific innovations feature in the composting sites?
Key elements include dedicated composting facilities that process organic waste efficiently, contributing to broader goals of waste minimisation and resource recovery, as detailed in announcements from Community Leisure UK.
What are the broader implications for the leisure sector?
This first-of-its-kind award positions Edinburgh Leisure as a leader, potentially inspiring similar initiatives nationwide to enhance sustainability efforts. Future steps may involve expanding the model to additional sites and sharing best practices with other operators.
The achievement underscores growing commitment to environmental stewardship in public leisure services, with ongoing monitoring to sustain the gold standard.
