Greenhouse emissions generated at Maroondah City Council’s Ringwood Aquatic Centre (RAC) will be slashed by 280 tonnes a year following the recent installation of a pool blanket.
Located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Maroondah has just over 100,000 residents.
The newly installed pool blanket covers RAC’s 50 metre pool and dive pool, minimising overnight water temperature losses and reducing energy usage onsite.
Maroondah Councillor Rob Steane said the resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emissions will be equivalent to removing 65 cars from the road each year.
“The positive spinoffs that will flow from the installation of the pool blanket extend beyond the environmental context,” Councillor 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.
“The yearly cost savings generated by the pool blanket will be reinvested in future sustainability initiatives at other Council facilities.
“The installation of the blanket was a key recommendation made following an energy audit of RAC in 2008.”
The pool blanket is one of several energy saving initiatives being implemented throughout Maroondah by Council’s Strategic Planning and 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 install energy efficient lighting in Council buildings.
Council is also seeking funding for a similar blanket at its outdoor 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 due to decreased evaporation.
The reduced energy usage would also lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
