Oceanis International proudly congratulates Craigie Leisure Centre (CLC) on receiving the Sustainability Award at the recently concluded 2024 WA Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards, presented by LIWA Aquatics. This award celebrates CLC’s commitment to sustainability, particularly through the refurbishment of their geothermal bore — an initiative that underscores their dedication to energy conservation and environmental stewardship.
Addressing Energy Challenges in Aquatic Centres
Aquatic centres are vital community assets, offering a range of recreational and health benefits. However, they are also among the most energy-intensive facilities managed by local councils. The primary energy demands stem from heating and sanitizing large bodies of water, often necessitating substantial electricity use. For Craigie Leisure Centre, this challenge was compounded by the underperformance of their geothermal bore, installed in 2005, which failed to provide the anticipated levels of heat energy. As a result, the centre had to rely heavily on supplemental electricity from the local grid, which not only escalated operational costs but also hindered their objectives for reducing emissions.
The Role of Oceanis in the Sustainability Journey
Recognizing the critical need to address these issues, Craigie Leisure Centre engaged Oceanis to investigate and resolve the geothermal bore’s shortcomings. Our team, in partnership with Rockwater, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing system, identifying key areas where the surface infrastructure could be redesigned to maximize the bore’s output. The goal was clear: to fully harness the available geothermal energy to reduce reliance on external electricity sources, thereby cutting costs and minimizing the facility’s carbon footprint.
The solution involved a meticulous redesign of the surface infrastructure, enabling the geothermal system to not only heat the centre’s pools but also maintain comfortable temperatures in the pool halls. This innovative approach has proven to be highly effective, leading to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and substantial savings on electricity costs for the centre.
A Win for Sustainability
The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Craigie Leisure Centre and Oceanis. By reengineering the geothermal bore’s infrastructure, CLC has transformed a once-underperforming asset into a highlight of its sustainability strategy. The modified system now delivers reliable, low-emission energy, aligning with CLC’s long-term environmental goals and setting a benchmark for other aquatic centres to follow.
The recognition of CLC’s efforts at the WA Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards is well-deserved. Our Principal, Ryan Rao, had the honor of attending the awards dinner, where they witnessed the centre’s achievements being celebrated. This project reflects our broader commitment to designing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that benefit both our clients and the environment.
We look forward to continuing our work with forward-thinking partners like Craigie Leisure Centre, who share our vision for a more sustainable future.
