How green is training in Germany? How sustainable is the sports and fitness industry? To find out, the NEW LIFE initiative teamed up with KölnMesse to survey operators of fitness centres and sports facilities. The results show: The industry is on the right track. The awareness of sustainability is there - but there is still a lot of potential when it comes to implementation.
Sustainability, climate and environmental protection have become more important in the view of the clear majority of respondents. More than 80 % of respondents rate sustainability, climate and environmental protection as "important" or "very important". The focus is particularly on
- Resource protection
- Waste avoidance
- Energy efficiency
- Health and safety
From the perspective of two thirds of the 108 respondents, sustainability, climate and environmental protection is also a (very) important topic for members/customers. Many fitness studios and sports facilities are already implementing concrete measures to sustainably optimise their services:
- LED lighting and green electricity
- Dispensing with disposable products
- Use of sustainable sports equipment
- Use of recycled materials - e.g. floor coverings made from tyre rubber granulate
A good half of the operators of fitness centres and sports facilities surveyed have already used sustainable products made from recycled materials - primarily sports and fitness flooring (41%), but also impact protection surfaces and impact sound insulation. According to the survey, products made from tyre rubber granulate have a level of awareness of over 66%. One in five respondents had already used the products.
NEW LIFE and KölnMesse are actively supporting the industry on its way to a green, sustainable future. The complete survey results will be presented on 28 October 2025 at the FSB 2025 in Cologne presented.
