Sustainability at The Reef Leisure Centre

The new centre is designed to be as energy efficient as possible, aiming to surpass the strict environmental legislative requirements for a building of this type. 

Energy saving measures incorporated in the designs include:

• high levels of air-tightness reducing heat loss from the building
• state of the art double glazed windows and insulated doors to reduce heat loss
• high performance insulation for the building and hot water pipework
• LED energy saving lighting throughout the building
• natural lighting to main spaces such as the pool hall and fitness suite
• presence and absence detection lights for areas with limited use
• naturally ventilated public spaces such as the entrance foyer and café
• Future proofed design to accommodate further energy saving measures (including the Solar Car Port planned for Summer 2023)

Hot water

The vast majority of the energy consumed by the facility is due to the high hot water demand.  Alongside the use of conventional heating methods the project team aim to use solar thermal to help heat the water at the facility. Solar thermal (not to be confused with solar photovoltaic panels which generate electricity) uses energy from the sun to directly heat the water. The hot water produced will be used for the showers and pool. In order to ensure hot water is supplied efficiently, insulation will be applied to the whole length of the circulation pipework. In addition, low flow water fittings will be used throughout to minimise water consumption and reduce the energy needed to generate hot water.

Showers

Feedback from residents highlighted the importance of showers to users. Pool users will have access to two types of showers. One set is poolside and is primarily for people to remove everyday dirt and body products such as deodorant and shampoo before entering the pool.  If people enter the pool clean it reduces the amount of chemicals needed to keep the pool water clean.  They can also be used for a quick shower after swimming.

There are post swim showers within the changing area– these are individual showers with doors allowing people a private shower. There are also private shower facilities within the Changing Places facility and the disabled shower room.  There are additional showers for gym users on the first floor.