A pool and a cup might seem worlds apart, but they demonstrate a broader truth: sustainability is built from both large‑scale infrastructure decisions and small changes.

Swimming pools need to stay warm, clean and safe every day and this can have a high environmental demand.

  • Heating — Keeping water at a comfortable temperature is the biggest energy use. Old gas boilers are not energy efficient, especially in colder months.
  • Filtration and circulation — Pumps run for hours to keep water moving and clean. Older systems can be particularly energy‑hungry.
  • Water use — Evaporation, backwashing filters, splash‑out, and routine maintenance all add up. Even a well‑managed pool can lose thousands of litres a week.
  • Chemical treatment — Chlorine and other disinfectants keep swimmers safe, but producing and transporting these chemicals has an environmental cost. Poor handling can also affect local ecosystems.
    The upside is that pools offer clear opportunities for improvement. Heat‑recovery systems, solar thermal panels, variable‑speed pumps, and pool covers can dramatically reduce energy use. Smart water‑management practices—like optimising backwash cycles or installing humidity‑controlled ventilation—cut waste without compromising hygiene.

The essential works in Phase 1 of reopening the pool will see the refurbishment or replacement of the old 1970’s and 90’s plant room equipment improving the pools energy performance. Good operating procedures like using the pool cover and optimising backwashing can cut waste without compromising hygiene. Phase 2 will seek to further reduce energy consumption by installing heat recovery systems, humidity controlled ventilation, air source heat pumps and solar panels. But what else can we do?

Ward Freman Community Pool Groups Environmental Policy goes beyond that of just reducing the energy consumption of the swimming pool and aims to promote environmental awareness among staff, users and the community. So a conscious decision has been made to reduce single use plastics at our pool, starting with single use cups. Compared to running a swimming pool this may seem trivial but single use cups are a major contributor to waste and a lifestyle change that we hope will inspire more people to follow. Whilst funds have been raised for the essential repairs that should see the pool reopen, Funding is still required for phases 2,3 and 4! To complement income from aquatic activities refreshments will be available to purchase.

In order to reduce waste and encourage reuse, takeaway hot drinks will only be served in reusable cups. Customers will be encouraged to bring their own travel cup, or pay a deposit for a Ward Freman reusable insulated cup. Simply return the cup at your convenience for the deposit to be returned or keep the cup and keep reusing it. The great news is that Veolia have supported this plan by granting a Veolia Sustainability Grant for £911 to purchase a stock of re-useable cups.

So what’s the big deal with single use cups?

  • Waste — Disposable cups often contain plastic linings that make them difficult to recycle. Reusable cups eliminate this waste stream entirely.
  • Littering – It happens! But paying a deposit or bringing your own cup, creates ownership and makes littering less likely.
  • Lower resource consumption — Manufacturing a reusable cup requires more energy upfront, but the environmental impact drops sharply after repeated use. Many studies show that after 20–30 uses, a reusable cup becomes significantly more sustainable than disposables.
  • Behavioural influence — Reusable cups nudges customers toward more sustainable habits. Over time, this can shift community norms. Cafés can amplify the impact by choosing durable materials, offering cup‑borrowing schemes, and ensuring washing processes are efficient and low‑energy.

Local District Councillor (Green Party) Sue Nicholls has supported the charity in all its efforts to reopen the pool and commented:

‘Running a swimming pool is, by its very nature, an energy intensive and carbon hungry enterprise. So looking at all and every opportunity to help reduce the energy and carbon footprint is very important from a sustainability and climate perspective. Making use of this grant from Veolia to purchase reusable cups for pool users is a great way to reduce carbon and energy consumption as well as waste and contribute towards improving the pool’s eco credentials.‘

Whilst other Buntingford High street cafes sell and encourage the use of reusable cups they do still provide disposable single use cups. From the start of operations, there will be no disposable cups. Crockery will be available for customers wishing to stay on site and enjoy a refreshment. Whilst customers wanting a takeaway refreshment will just need to remember to bring a cup with them (or pay the deposit each time), just like remembering to bring your underwear (we have all forgotten just once)!