The Armadale Fitness & Aquatic Centre (AFAC) has just scored another win for its transition to renewables.
Last week, the City of Armadale secured $175,000 from the federal government towards the installation of a new water source heat pump at the centre.
Mayor Ruth Butterfield explained that AFAC’s hydrotherapy pool and spa are still “solely reliant on heating via a gas boiler”.
“The city is committed to reducing gas usage and will integrate the program pool and spa into the existing geothermal heating system,” she said.
“The new pump will be a backup for the program pool and wellness centre once they are operating under the geothermal heating system.”
Mayor Butterfield explained that with the reduced reliance on the two 1000kWh gas boilers, which currently operate full time, the City of Armadale will be able to cut “approximately 215 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum and save $48,000 per year”.
The new pump will be powered by electricity generated through AFAC’s solar PV panels and battery system.
“Thank you to the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Technology and the Community Energy Upgrades Fund for the funding support, as we continue our goal to lower our overall emissions across the City of Armadale,” Mayor Butterfield said.
The first round of the federal government’s $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) was popular, with 165 applications vying for the first $50 million in funding.
Member for Burt Matt Keogh said he was “proud to have helped secure funding that is not only investing in our kids’ water safety but in their energy future as well”.
“With locals diving into the AFAC more than 692,500 times last financial year, we know that the pool is much loved in our community,” he said.
He also mused that AFAC had “come a long way” since he learned to swim there in the 80s and 90s.
Round 2 of the CEUF is expected to open shortly, with unsuccessful applicants from Round 1 encouraged to re-apply.
