With the opening of the brand new Health Club, Crèche, Spin Room and Group/Family Change Rooms the APARC Renewal is finally feeling real and tangible. After an initial 7 months of largely behind the scenes work we are beginning to see the results unveiled at a startling pace. I find that it’s the unperceived finishing touches such as the extended vinyl flooring and metal baseboards that add to this feeling of completeness.
“When one
door closes, another opens” – Alexander Graham Bell
Alex’s words
ring true in a literal sense when it comes to the Ashburton Change Rooms. The
closure of our old Main Change Rooms will coincide with the opening of our brand
new Dry Change Rooms (don’t be fooled, they do have showers), creating a smooth
transition for members and guests. Closure of the existing Main Change Rooms
will result in a final goodbye to our aged tiles, shower partitions but also the dated plumbing and lighting fixtures,
which is an exciting development for any avid greenies out there.
A recent study
conducted by Sydney Water outlined the breakdown of typical water usage within
an aquatic centre. This breakdown attributed 22% of a Centre’s usage to leaks,
noting that a leaking tap can waste up to 221,000 litres per year. Some of
these leaks are hidden whilst many are visible such as old washers and tap
fittings. As we transition to brand new plumbing, combined with water efficient
fixtures, we are sure to see a reduction in this usage.
In addition
to improved water usage the new areas have seen significant improvements in
lighting efficiency. The new areas are being upgraded to energy efficient LED
alternatives. What does this mean for energy usage?
Spaces where there were previously 2 x 36-watt florescent tubes
(72-watts) have been replaced with 1 x 25-watt LED tubes.
Spaces where there were previously 50-watt halogen down-lights
have been replaced with 13-watt LED down-lights.
These changes
are taking effect throughout the Centre, most recently in the upstairs
‘Wellness Deck’. You would have noticed some significant works occurring
upstairs and you can take comfort that these works are occurring at a rapid
pace. Unlike many of the other areas within the Centre, the construction crews
have been able to work in this space without delay or interruption. As a result
the space has already been gutted and wall frames erected ready for plastering.
I look
forward to joining you in a Yoga class at the not-to-distant the opening of the
‘Wellness Deck’.
With regard
for a sustainable future, yours truly,
Lachie
McLean – Environment, Sustainability and Operations Coordinator
