SARA So what else have we done or can we do?
KEVIN
Hyprolyser
LED Lighting
“Reducing our energy demand is key, but on the flip side we want to grow our business which inevitably uses more energy. Examples of things we have already done is convert our light fittings to LED. We have a proud history of innovation within TLCIC. We converted our first sports hall to LED 12 years ago. Chlorine in tablet form is still widely used nationally. Due to chlorine being imported from Russia, China and the USA there has been a world-wide shortage. Since lockdown it has doubled in price. TLCIC took the decision around 10 years ago to use a system designed and built in Lancashire, using food grade salt from Cheshire, the technology employs electrolysis to separate out the components of salt. We basically make our own chlorine using an item of pool plant called a hyprolyser. And as it uses food grade salt, the H&S benefits are great too. Microfiltration (MF) is another example. TLCIC was the first local authority public pool in England & Scotland to have it running. We are seeing encouraging signs on reduced electricity, water consumption and therefore overall energy demand. The major refurbishments of ALT, PSV, STR & SAL will upgrade the plant rooms to be the most efficient they can be. We also need further improvement on insulation – just like our homes. When our centres were built, insulation was not as good as it now needs to be.”
SARA What about EV charging points for cars?
KEVIN
EV Charging Points
“Yes, they are coming too, both as part of the refurbs and as stand-alone projects. Achieving net zero would also mean our staff and customers able to access our facilities without increasing their own carbon footprint in the process. Right now electric cars are quite expensive. We have to start somewhere and as previously said, I think it will happen in stages, rebuilding our infrastructure is key to enable this. We have also approached the coach companies who bring the children to swim lessons. The option to use electric coaches rather than diesel is there, but currently it would cost us 3 times as much.”
SARA What else are you looking at? Any new technologies?
KEVIN “We are looking all the time! As an example, the new spa & sauna at Move Altrincham needs heat, whilst the gym needs to be cool. Our warmed waste pool water is continually being replenished with fresh cold water, which has to be heated and treated. In all kinds of applications, more efficient heat recovery is one area we are looking at.”
Microfiltration
