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The City of Ballarat has advised that its staff are working with aquatic centre consultancy Beca to assess the potential for reducing energy demand and transitioning to 100% renewable energy at the of Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC).

The work involves using computer modelling to understand how all forms of energy, such as electricity, gas, heat energy and airflows, are used in the facility and where energy losses are occurring.

This will form the basis of a detailed Energy Efficiency Action Plan for BALC.

This plan will also include a detailed assessment of transitioning to electrified heat pumps using 100% renewable energy to replace fossil fuel gas use. Several other City of Ballarat facilities are also reviewing the potential of emissions-free heating systems as the gas infrastructure is approaching end of service.

The council notes “electrified heating systems also bring opportunity to integrate with air-conditioning and ventilation systems to create further energy and cost savings while delivering the same level comfort to patrons and staff.”

Managing temperate control and humidity within indoor aquatic centres is complex, involving the close control of heating and cooling, and flows of both air and water. BALC uses about 80% of the City of Ballarat’s overall gas usage and about 50% of its electricity. Gas use at the BALC attributes to about 1,700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

The City of Ballarat purchases 100% renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), which is the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by the local government sector in Australia.

Advising that the council is committed to taking action to reduce emissions and working towards an environmentally sustainable future, City of Ballarat Mayor, Des Hudson stated “as part of our ongoing commitment to mitigating climate change, our focus is on working towards carbon neutrality by exploring opportunities to reduce carbon emissions.

“With the recent significant increase in gas prices, it is likely that transitioning BALC to electrified renewable energy sources will be more cost-effective option for ratepayers.”

More than 625,000 patrons use BALC services each year in a comfortable, climate-controlled atmosphere.

Images: The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (top) and a diagram demonstrating current energy use at the Centre (below).

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