Australia’s first all-electric, renewable energy aquatic centre is now open to the public in Keilor Downs, Victoria.
Funded in part by a $1.5 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the $60 million facility has undergone two-years of redevelopment overseen by the Brimbank City Council and features a pool, gym, sauna, yoga and Pilates classes.
But What makes the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre special is its integrated approach to keeping emissions down.
Leisure centres are among the most emissions intensive buildings owned by local governments in Australia.
Gas boilers heat huge volumes of water for pools and showers. Meanwhile, heating and cooling large indoor spaces also require a lot of energy.
To remedy this issue, a 500kw rooftop solar system was installed to power an innovative four-pipe heat pump system to maintain water temperature, alongside state-of-the-art insulation to maintain the facilities internal temperature.
The heat pump uses renewable energy from the onsite solar system, and an 88,000L hot water storage unit acts like a thermal battery as a backup.
ARENA’s Knowledge Sharing Officer, Lisa Randone, said the project was Australia’s first all-electric aquatic centre
“The project will provide valuable insights on how to design, construct and operate a 100 per cent renewable energy powered aquatic and leisure centre,” Dr Randone said.
“Other councils will be able to have access to a broad range of data including financial models, emission reduction and other performance metrics.
“I was pleased to see the community fully supportive of the initiative, with proud and loud acknowledgments of the sustainability side of the project.”
Feature Image: The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is now open to the public seven days a week, with 24-hour gym facilities available to members. Photo: ARENA.
