Transforming government at Southland Leisure Centre one green idea at a time...
Southland Leisure Centre, constructed in 1983, hosts over 1.5 million visitors each year in this 227,000 square foot, large multi-purpose facility that includes a wave pool, twin arenas, gymnasium, racquet sports courts, climbing walls, and gymnastics and fitness facilities all under one roof. Now, with the advent of greener technology, Southland Leisure Centre will use the heat of the sun as solar power to heat domestic and pool water, new energy efficient lighting technology has replaced the old to reduce operating expenses, impact on the environment, and showcase innovation for future building projects.
Southland’s green initiatives are improving cost efficiencies for facility sustainability, providing educational opportunities and allowing The City to innovate and gather new intelligence about the impact of green technologies on large multi-use facilities. The energy efficiencies, decreases in green house gas emissions, and reduced utility and maintenance costs benefit all Calgarians. Initiatives like this play an important role in developing an active, creative and vibrant city, which makes Calgary a great place to live, work and play.
Examples of green initiatives
Solar thermal hot water system
Solar panels on the roof of Southland Leisure Centre
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As one of the first City of Calgary facilities to obtain solar energy power, the project includes measurement of influencing variables such as wind, sun angle, flow rates etc.
The City of Calgary and Enmax partnered together on this green initiative as a pilot project which was funded by the province through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative and Calgary Recreation.
Facility electric sub-metering project
This project allows Southland Leisure Centre to determine large energy consumption areas of the entire complex, which will allow base line consumption information as well as target areas for potential upgrades.
Arena refurbishment, electrical ice re-surfacer and lighting upgrades
The arena upgrades include new lighting, piping, refrigeration plant, and low-flow taps and toilets in the dressing room.
Southland has realized 30 – 35% in energy savings due to the installation of new technology lighting.
Southland will be the first City of Calgary arena to test an electronic ice-resurfacer, which is the newest green technology available.
Southland Leisure Centre’s going green initiatives are an example of Transforming Government as they demonstrate new approaches to building sustainable community places and spaces and offer innovative ways to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. These changes facilitate enhanced recreational opportunities for Calgarians now and into the future.
