David Mortimore Sport Development Team Leader Sport Bay of Plenty

We all know that sports clubs and organisations need funds to survive so why not look at other ways to reduce your costs whilst at the same time doing something for the environment.

At Sport Bay of Plenty some of our Sport Development staff recently met with Hamish Reid from project Litefoot to discuss this exciting initiative.

Litefoot is a charitable trust led by seven top sportspeople including Michael Campbell, Conrad Smith, the Evers-Swindells, Brendon McCullum, Barbara Kendall and national surfing champion Daniel Kereopa.

Since 2008 they've been competing against each other to see who can reduce their environmental impact the most.

Off the back of their leadership, Litefoot's mission is to inspire NZers to be environmental champions.

Hamish Reid explained that 'we think that's important because it means improving the lives of New Zealanders by means of cleaner water and air, less waste to landfills and stretching scarce resources for future generations.”

Hamish went on to explain the lead initiative is called LiteClub - a programme designed to help community sports clubs reduce their environmental impact.

'We visit clubs and install energy efficient light bulbs, insulation and water saving devices. We officially launched in June 2011 and have 165 clubs in the programme so far. In total we've saved Club's over $625,000 – which means more money for sport!”

This is an entirely free service for clubs made possible predominately by funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

So how does it work?

1. Club visit – A dedicated team visits the club to install free energy-saving products (lightbulbs, insulation and aerators). Our eco-design advisor assesses the building in detail.

2. Environmental Impact Report - We send the club a report setting out a range of recommendations that will help the club further reduce environmental impact, freeing up more money for sport.

3. Member + fundraising programme - Via club newsletters and activities, we get club members involved by encouraging them to make the same positive changes at home, creating a fundraising opportunity for the club.

LiteClub is an entirely free service – there are no catches. You can see more at www.projectlitefoot.org and to register, sign up at www.liteclub.org. The Litefoot Team will be doing their second and third round of club visits in the Bay of Plenty in November and March, so make sure your club is on the list.

The Eastern Districts Rugby and Sports Club is taking initiatives to be environmentally friendly.

Kawerau Golf Club with Own Enright is insulating the club rooms and using energy efficient light bulbs.