MLC-CCGS Aquatic Precinct Energy Efficiency

“Oceanis’ exceptional approach to energy efficiency and design has resulted in the most operationally efficient, heated aquatic precinct in Australia.”

Completed at the end of 2019, this state-of-the-art aquatic precinct is the result of a collaboration between Methodist Ladies College and Christchurch Grammar School. 

In a unique joint venture with its neighbour, MLC’s new pool is co-located within an aquatic precinct with Christchurch Grammar School, enabling shared oversight and infrastructure, cost effective operations, and an enhanced Phys Ed program for both schools. 

The shared approach presented opportunities for Oceanis to introduce smart design to provide significant cost and aesthetic benefits for MLC, as well as exceptional energy efficiency.

Combining its aquatics, hydraulics and mechanical engineering expertise, the Oceanis team designed a 40 by 25 metre heated pool as a lap training and FINA standard water polo pool.

An innovative balance tank design was cleverly incorporated around the pool structure at no extra construction cost, providing thermal energy and rainwater storage, which has contributed to reduced peak heating and electrical loads, reduced water use, stabilized water chemistry and overall significantly reduced operations costs, an important outcome for the school. 

Oceanis also designed an innovative hybrid geothermal heating system using latent energy from the existing CCGS geothermal water system, so that it now serves both pools with only a small 20% increase in energy draw.

High delta-T, low approach heat exchangers were selected for increased heat extraction, and smart algorithms for the control systems make use of time-of-day electricity rates and thermal capacitance.

These combined initiatives have resulted in a halving of net unit energy reduction of 60% across the precinct, to produce the most efficient heated aquatics installation in Australia.

The new MLC pool, now combined with the Christchurch Grammar School pool to create a world-class aquatics precinct, continues to receive accolades for its operational efficiency and aesthetic appeal, shaping the way both schools approach aquatic sports for the benefit of their respective school communities.