03.08.2021, 13:53
Developing the UK’s Most Sustainable Leisure Centre
A partnership between Schneider Electric and Associated Technology Services (ATS) is set to deliver the first leisure centre in the United Kingdom to meet the Passivhaus standard for sustainability.
Operated by Exeter City Council, the leisure centre at St Sidwell’s Point in Exeter is a centrepiece of the city’s ambitious regeneration plans, and will set new sustainability standards in the sector by saving 70 per cent more energy than similar buildings built to traditional methods.
Designed by Gale & Snowden, the development features a new state-of-the-art indoor municipal pool facility, including a main national standard swimming pool and learners’ pool with supporting and dry sports facilities – with all pools utilising virtually chemical-free filtration technology and utilising a novel heating solution that uses energy from 150 exercise stations to help heat the water.
Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort despite using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, and are certified through an exacting quality assurance process.
ATS is involved with the design, programming and comissioning of a building management system to ensure the centre operates with minimum energy consumption. Software will also continuously identify and eliminate energy waste.
“We are delighted to be involved with St Sidwell’s Point leisure centre. The building is best-in-class and shows what is possible with the latest Schneider Electric technology,” comments Matthew Wallace, national account manager for digital energy at Schneider Electric.
ATS managing director, Mathew Baker, adds, “Given the volume of data and processing speed that Passivhaus schemes require, EcoStruxure was best placed to cater to this need. The ability to collect and analyse data in real-time allows the facility managers to maximise the efficiency of the building. As public bodies strive to achieve net zero, smart technologies that identify and reduce energy waste in all its forms will be increasingly crucial.”
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