Energy efficient pool is a winner

25 August 2006

Media release from Hon David Parker
Minister of Energy
Minister of Climate Change Issues

Moana Pool’s new heat pump is set is save Dunedin City Council ratepayers $135,000 each year and cut annual carbon emissions equivalent to that of 100 cars.

Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker is visiting the pool today, along with Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin.

“Indoor swimming pools are important recreational facilities but can be large users of energy if not managed properly,” said David Parker.

“This heat pump is a win-win solution. It will lower the pool’s annual energy costs which is good for Dunedin City ratepayers, and it also has a wider benefit of contributing to a reduction in ongoing carbon dioxide emissions.”

The government, through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has worked in partnership with Dunedin City Council to find an efficient way to recycle otherwise wasted energy to control humidity at the indoor pool.

Moana Pool’s new heat pump is being funded through a Crown energy efficiency loan for $920,000.

EECA’s Crown energy efficiency loan scheme provides full or partial funding for projects in the public sector that result in energy savings.

All government departments, regional and territorial authorities, Crown entities and public and integrated schools can borrow under this scheme.

“The Crown loan scheme is aimed at helping cost-effective energy efficiency investments get off the ground," Mr Parker said. "Since the scheme started in 1989 more than $20 million of projects have been funded. That's seen carbon emissions go down by 23,000 tonnes per year.”

The heat pump at Moana Pool will be operational by February 2007 after completion of design work, a tender process and installation.

 

Media contact: Jane O'Loughlin, Press Secretary to David Parker (04) 471 9855 or 021 227 9855