Move to transition Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre to renewable energy

October 3, 2023

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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1st September 2023 - Building work set to start on redevelopment of Wellington Council’s Aqua Energy Leisure Centre

15th August 2023 - City of Fremantle commits to procuring green energy for more facilities and buildings

16th June 2023 - Royal Life Saving welcomes new Community Energy Upgrades Fund as presenting opportunity for aquatic facilities

16th June 2023 - Councils given access to new $100 million energy efficiency fund

22nd May 2023 - Beca Aquatics arrives in Australia

16th May 2023 - Negawatt Projects to stage Melbourne and Sydney events on energy efficient aquatic centre design

6th April 2023 - Dandenong Wellbeing Centre’s energy-efficiency projections scaled back

21st October 2022 - Piscine Global Europe to present solutions to reduce energy bills for pool running costs

13th October 2022 - Elite Energy partners with Goulburn Mulwaree Council to deliver running event among wind turbines

27th September 2022 - Renewable Energy Agency highlights significance of heat pumps at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

31st December 2021 - Staff shortages lead to pool closures at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

24th November 2016 - Bystanders and a defibrillator save a life at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

30th June 2014 - Ballarat Aquatic Centre pool fees to rise as Council backs new 50 metre pool

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