A series of sustainable measures employed by Suters Architects at the Noble Park Aquatic Centre in Victoria, Australia have ensured that the 50-year-old complex saves two million litres of water each year and uses 25% less energy than before.

Features such as rooftop solar panels, natural ventilation and extensive insulation have been put into place to bring the environmental levels of the facility up to modern levels.

Two of the most effective measures are pool filter air scourers which save up to 40% of water from backwashing and the reuse of an existing 50m pool shell which stores rainwater harvested from the centre’s rooftop. 700,000 litres of rainwater can be stored here and reused for irrigation of the landscaping and in the toilet facilities.

Project Architect Clinton Wyner explains: “A key objective of the redevelopment was to provide a recreation destination where people from different backgrounds and ethnicities could meet to relax, get fit and socialise while maintaining a facility that is highly efficient in water and energy use.”