Key Points
- Edinburgh Leisure has won the 2026 Gold Award at the Green Apple Environment Awards for its innovative food waste composting project.
- The award was accepted by Perrotine Orr, Director of Operations, and Jill Johnstone, Energy & Sustainability Officer.
- The project, funded by the Solar Co-operative Community Benefit Fund, reduces food waste across sport and leisure venues through on-site composting.
- Early results show production of nutrient-rich compost used by the Grounds Maintenance Team, cutting costs and carbon emissions.
- The initiative supports Edinburgh Leisure’s net zero plan and sustainability goals.
North Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 3, 2026 – Edinburgh Leisure has secured the prestigious 2026 Gold Award at the Green Apple Environment Awards for its groundbreaking composting project aimed at reducing food waste in sport and leisure venues.
The accolade, hosted by The Green Organisation, highlights the success of an on-site composting initiative funded by the Solar Co-operative Community Benefit Fund. Perrotine Orr, Director of Operations, and Jill Johnstone, Energy & Sustainability Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.
This marks Edinburgh Leisure’s first National Sustainability Award, reflecting collaborative efforts by the Sustainability Team, Café Venue Teams, and Grounds Maintenance Team to transform food waste management.
What Made Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Award-Worthy?
The composting project establishes on-site facilities to drastically cut food waste, producing high-quality, nutrient-rich compost for enriching greenspaces and planting across multiple sites, according to reporting from North Edinburgh News.
As reported by Jill Johnstone of Edinburgh Leisure, “By producing our own compost, we are not only reducing waste and carbon emissions, but also making a significant saving on operational costs by replacing commercially purchased compost”.
How Does This Fit into Broader Sustainability Efforts?
The award represents a key milestone in Edinburgh Leisure’s net zero plan and environmental sustainability strategy, showcasing what collaborative teamwork and targeted funding can achieve in the sector.
What Early Impacts Have Been Seen?
Outstanding early results include reduced operational costs and meaningful environmental benefits, positioning Edinburgh Leisure as a leader in sustainable practices within sport and leisure, as detailed in the organisation’s announcement.
What Are the Next Steps for Edinburgh Leisure?
Edinburgh Leisure reaffirms its commitment to expanding greener operations, with further details on its environmental and net zero aims available in the latest Impact Report, Fit for the Future: Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact in Motion.
This recognition propels the organisation forward in building a more sustainable future across its venues.
