Glen Eira Council receives $2.5 million grant to electrify GESAC

The Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) - one of Australia’s most popular aquatic, recreation and wellness facilities with over 4,600 visitors every day - is to be powered by fully renewable electricity following a grant under the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

The GESAC Electrification Project will transform the Centre into an industry leading facility by removing the use of gas and reducing emissions by 1,810 tonnes per year.

Advising that the electrification will improve environmental outcomes for the Glen Eira community, Glen Eira Mayor, Simone Zmood stated “we’ll be reducing our operating costs using proven and reliable technology. By transitioning such a large and complex facility from gas, we hope the project will inspire other councils, businesses and community members to make their own transition to renewables.

“This will be a milestone in the local government sector. GESAC is already an award-winning facility based on its ecologically sustainable development initiatives, building envelope, rainwater harvesting and mechanical and electrical plant initiatives.”

The Centre currently draws 85% of its total energy usage from natural gas, for pool water, space and domestic hot water heating. The remaining 15% is electricity for cooling, ventilation, lighting, pumps, valves, filters and appliances.

The $2.5 million grant will ensure that GESAC generates zero emissions, as Glen Eira City Council sources 100% of its electricity from renewables via the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).

The electrification solution includes installing new heat pump systems, new electric cooking appliances and building upgrades, including new fan coil units and control systems.

GESAC will join Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool as ‘all-electric’ operational facilities upon completion.

The Glen Eira community are highly motivated to take climate mitigation actions, with a survey in 2023 indicating that 78% of Glen Eira residents are committed to changing their own habits and behaviours to reduce their environmental impact.