Energy saving rather than cost cutting at YMCA centre

Camden Council has challenged recent rises in energy costs by pursuing solutions rather than cutting services at its leisure facilities.

At the YMCA-managed Mount Annan Leisure Centre, operations would have been hit with a 10% increase in electricity costs, if not for the recent rate contracts which have been locked in for the next 30 months.

New 30 month lock-in contracts reduced electricity costs from $528,925 to $462,111 in a short online auction between four suppliers for Camden Council’s street lighting and its four largest facilities.

In addition, installation of state-of-the-art solar heating at Mount Annan Leisure Centre in September 2010 ias assisting pool water heating units over a 25 year savings plan.

These types of investments are long term ways of lowering energy consumption and assisting not only bottom line savings, but the environmental impact of high usage.

Over the next few months works will be complete for the conversion of hot water system to ‘gas conversion’. This will replace electric heating for the main change rooms to gas. With these new energy saving devices, Mt Annan Leisure Centre is estimated to reduce costs by $19,000 per year.

As Acting Manager Joel Anderson explains “feedback has been really positive since the installation of the solar heating.

"For customers, knowing that their facility is doing its part to reduce the carbon footprint is comforting.

“The YMCA is excited to be working closely with Camden Council on this ‘green’ initiative, and looks forward to future environmental management plans.”

Mount Annan hosts approximately 8,500 visitors a week and currently boasts over 4000 members from the local area. Various different community groups benefit from using the facility including disability services, DOCS referrals, mental health patients, injury rehabilitation providers, sporting clubs and schools. The YMCA has been managing the facility for Camden Council since 2007.

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