Sustainability Victoria's $283K helps council pool get greener

Boroondara Council’s Ashburton Pool and Pool and Recreation Centre now has an environment-friendly and money-saving co-generation system.

The heat generated by the system is harnessed to warm the swimming pool water and the showers while providing warm air throughout the centre.

It is expected that the new system will reduce the centre’s emissions by 40 per cent. By reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid, the project is estimated to provide an energy cost saving of $170,000 per annum or $3.4 million over its 20-year useful life.

While Boroondara Council put nearly $800,000 towards the project, funds available from Sustainability Victoria contributed $283,000 in financial support through the new Smart Energy Zone program.

The project also includes energy efficient lights within the surrounding community precinct, the installation of photovoltaic systems at Ashburton Support Services, Samarinda Lodge and Warner Reserve Pavilion, and a communications and education strategy for precinct visitors to learn about energy saving technologies.

In further news, the Sustainable Melbourne Fund is promoting its $6.4 million investment program. The Fund has launched a web-based animation and case study video providing information on the availability of loans of up to $500,000 through its investment program for sustainability projects throughout Victoria.

The Sustainable Melbourne Fund was established as a commercially oriented, independent unit trust by Melbourne City Council in 2002 to progress sustainable development in greater Melbourne through strategic investments.