Rubislaw Pavilion will harvest geothermal energy
19/05/08
In the week the UK’s largest renewable energy show comes to Aberdeen, preparatory work for the ground source heating system at the new Rubislaw Changing Pavilion on Harlaw Road, Aberdeen has begun.
When complete the system will harvest geothermal energy from the ground using special plastic pipework embedded within piles that are driven into the ground to exploit the Earth’s constant temperature.
The work currently being undertaken comprises of the drilling of 10 one hundred-metre deep boreholes. A heat pump connected to these bore holes will ultimately take heat stored deep below the ground and transfer it to the under-floor heating system in the new pavilion. The system will provide the majority of the background heat required for the development and will also be used to raise the temperature of the hot water for the showers and wash hand basins.
By installing a ground source heat pump in the building there will be a significant reduction in the amount of fossil fuels used for heating with a corresponding reduction in the running costs. The system will also reduce the carbon footprint of the new development. The carbon footprint will be further reduced by the installation of solar panels, which will transfer heat to the domestic hot water system.
The Rubislaw Pavilion development, which is being funded by Aberdeen City Council, comprises of the partial demolition and refurbishment of the existing Aberdeen Grammar School changing pavilion at Rubislaw together with the construction of a new single storey extension.
The new extension will provide four changing rooms suitable for 15 players together with two larger changing rooms suitable for 40 players. Officials changing rooms, a kitchen area, public toilets, resources room and offices will also be provided as part of the new development. The War Memorial Hall in the existing pavilion will be retained and refurbished as a key focus of the new complex. The main contractor for the project is Banchory Contractors Ltd.
In addition to the installation of the Ground Source Heat Pump, a rainwater harvesting system is being installed to serve the new development. The rainwater will run-off the roof of the new building and be collected and fed via the rainwater pipes into a large storage tank buried on the site. A mains tank will also be provided as back up in the event of a stored water shortage. This system will provide water for the flushing of all of the building’s sanitary appliances.
Chair of Rubislaw Pavilion Project Board, Councillor Martin Greig said: “This is an example of the Council taking its environmental responsibilities seriously by turning away from use of fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Underground heat is an excellent example of a sustainable and cheaper energy source. This kind of energy source should automatically be considered as the standard in all new buildings.”
Morag McCorkindale, Chief Operating Officer, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group said: "AREG applauds the use of renewable energy in this new building. It is particularly welcome to see renewable energy being used in a local project. There is a real value in this type of approach as it will bring definite environmental and economic benefits."
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
