Use a swimming pool cover
Greenhouse emissions generated at Ringwood Aquatic Centre (RAC) will be slashed by 280 tonnes a year following the installation of a pool blanket this Thursday 25 June.
The blanket, to cover the 50 metre pool and dive pool at the facility, will maintain a constant water temperature after hours and reduce energy usage on-site.
Councillor Rob Steane said the resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emissions would be equivalent to removing 65 cars from the road each year.
“The positive spin-offs that will flow from the installation of the pool blanket extend beyond the environmental context,” Cr Steane said.
“Council expects to see energy savings of about $20,000 a year and a reduction in night-time condensation that can cause rust to form inside the structure. This project also represents another stride forward in Council’s bid to become carbon neutral by 2020,” Cr Steane said.
“The yearly cost savings generated by the pool blanket will be reinvested in future sustainability initiatives at other Council facilities,” Cr Steane said.
“The installation of the blanket was a key recommendation made following an energy audit of Ringwood Aquatic Centre in October 2008,” Cr Steane said.
The $57,000 pool blanket is one of several energy saving initiatives being implemented throughout Maroondah by Council’s Strategic Planning & Sustainability Service Area. Other initiatives include the installation of a cogeneration plant at RAC, installation of solar panels at the Ringwood Civic Centre and the continuation of the project to implement energy efficient lighting in council buildings.
Council is also seeking funding for the installation of a similar blanket at Croydon Memorial Pool. The project would lead to a range of environmental benefits including approximate savings of $12,000 in energy costs and 900,000 litres of water each swimming season. The reduced energy usage would also lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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