Fact Sheet: Eco-Efficiency for Recreational Facilities

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Miles Edward Spencer
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Fact Sheet: Eco-Efficiency for Recreational Facilities Introduction Many communities throughout Nova Scotia have recreational facilities - ice rinks, gymnasiums, fitness and weight training

Recreational facilities provide a wide range of opportunities for special groups or the public, however, the operation of these facilities can generate many wastes and adversely affect the

1 Fact Sheet: Eco-Efficiency for Recreational Facilities Introduction Many communities throughout Nova Scotia have recreational facilities - ice rinks, gymnasiums, fitness and weight training facilities, running tracks, soccer, softball, and football fields, swimming pools, and more. Recreational facilities provide a wide range of opportunities for special groups or the public, however, the operation of these facilities can generate many wastes and adversely affect the environment. Consider: Chemical use for pool sanitization, cleaning products, field maintenance Excessive and inefficient lighting, and inefficient heating Water use and waste water generation Solid waste Air emissions and air quality This fact sheet has been developed to assist operators of these types of facilities make eco-efficiency part of their day-to-day decision making. Suggestions for changes in workplace practices, behaviours, and technologies are provided that can be implemented to improve an organization's environmental and economic performance. This fact sheet was prepared by the Eco-Efficiency Centre - a non-profit, non-government educational and environmental management support centre for small and medium-sized enterprises in Nova Scotia. The Eco- Efficiency Centre was established in 1998 as a partnership between Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Power Inc., and is supported by private corporations, governments and foundations. The Centre assists companies to achieve better environmental and economic performance through resource conservation, pollution prevention, recycling, reuse, and general good environmental practices. Eco-Efficiency What is Eco-Efficiency? Eco-efficiency is a practical and systematic approach that businesses can adopt in setting and achieving environmental and business performance objectives. It is very closely associated with and complementary to other concepts such as Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS), Total Quality Management (TQM), and Pollution Prevention (also known as source reduction). It involves changing processes, finding alternatives, and reducing or eliminating the generation of toxic wastes instead of dealing with problems of cleanup or disposal after the fact. It also includes extending product liability, enhancing material recyclability and maximizing the use of renewable resources. Eco-efficiency means doing more with less, creating and providing quality products and services while reducing resource use, waste and pollution along the entire value chain. It is not only about managing waste after it is created, but strives towards preventing and minimizing waste in the first place. A study by the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) identified 2,327 ice arenas and 1,322 curling rinks throughout Canada with artificial ice surfaces; together these surfaces consume over one billion kwh of electricity annually! Environmental Issues in Ice Rinks Ice rinks are considered one of the most energy intensive forms of recreation. The suggestions that follow can help to reduce energy costs in ice rinks: Increase the ice temperature. Temperature controls are often set conservatively low to maintain quality under the most adverse conditions, so the ice sheet may actually be colder than it needs to be. It may be practical to increase the ice temperature during long unoccupied periods. Reduce the thickness of the ice sheet. A reduction by one-quarter of an inch doesn t change the ice temperature, but it increases the coolant and slab

2 temperatures, and increases the efficiency of the refrigeration system, saving energy. Install a refrigeration control system that controls actual ice temperature to prevent over-cooling. These ice temperature control systems can also be used to raise ice temperature at night and during unoccupied periods for even more energy savings. Energy savings of 5-15% may be realized. Consider installing a low-emissivity ceiling (foil faced radiant barriers). They are expensive to install, however rinks in northern climates typically save $ /month in winter months and $ /month in summer months (based on electrical charges of between $ / kwh). Lowemissivity ceilings also reduce condensation problems and improve lighting. Filter and purify flood water purer water will create harder ice, allowing a thinner surface, and a higher temperature. Use waste heat generated by cooling equipment to heat water, or other parts of the building. Use radiant infrared heating for spectators. Use High Intensity Discharge Lighting, such as metal halide or high pressure sodium for lighting the ice surface. Review all interior and exterior lighting. Check for overlit areas. Use timers and occupancy sensors where appropriate. Upgrade incandescents to more efficient fluorescents or LEDs. Upgrade old, inefficient motors being used to operate refrigeration systems, pumps, and exhaust fans. A mid-90 s survey found that up to 40 % of the Canadian ice rinks studied exhibited poor levels of air quality. Poor indoor air quality has been identified as a health issue in ice rinks since the mid-80s. Gas-powered resurfacing machines ( Zambonis ) and ice-edgers are the prime sources of harmful gasses. There are airquality guidelines laid out for arenas in many jurisdictions, including Nova Scotia. Some tips to improve air-quality in arenas include: Ensuring HVAC systems maintain quality of air to meet or exceed health and safety standards. Regular maintenance of resurfacers. Retrofitting a gas-powered resurfacer with catalytic converters. Switching to an electric ice resurfacer. Natural ventilation can reduce air contaminants, although there is less control with this method. Skate sharpening services require specific consideration in a recreational facility. Metal dust is released when skates are sharpened. In order to reduce exposure to these particles, a separate HVAC system, which is appropriate for a skate sharpening environment, should be considered. Water use is also a major issue in many communities where the availability of water is a concern. A moderately busy ice arena, averaging six resurfacings per day will use approximately 1000 gallons of water daily. Some tips to help conserve water in an ice rink: Collect ice shavings from Zamboni machine, to be melted and used for watering fields. Is overflowing of the resurfacer water tank a problem? This can waste energy and water. Equip end of hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Look at opportunities to reduce water use in washrooms. Install flow restrictors, aerators, toilet dams, urinal flushing controls, or other low-flow devices. Install automatic shutoffs on faucets and fountains. Environmental Issues and Turf/Fields Maintenance Managers of playing fields can face difficult challenges when making pesticide and fertilizer management decisions. Economic restrictions tend to steer purchases to the least expensive option. Concern for the environment is of increasing importance by the public. Public perception of spraying has changed the way in which many turf managers fertilize. The most environmentally friendly option is to use compost. This may not be an option for fertilization of every field, but should be considered at least as a top dressing to provide nutrients, and increase nutrient holding capacity. What can be done at the very least is use a slow release nitrogen product. These products often contain low salt levels and therefore have a lower toxicity towards soil and are less likely to burn the grass. These slow release nitrogen products are also better on an economic level. Because the nitrogen is released slowly, the growth is consistent and fewer applications are needed. Environmental Issues and Pools Although Chlorine and Bromine are the most commonly used methods of halogen pool water treatment, there is some concern over the environmental impact of the chemicals. Alternatives water treatment methods include: Ionic Water Treatment Ozonation Treatment Magnetic Treatment Non-halogen chemical treatments such as polymeric biguanide treatment Heating and wastewater issues are also important when running a pool. Do not drain chlorinated water into sewage systems Find alternative uses for pool wastewater, instead of just draining it away Cover pools when not in use to reduce evaporation and heat loss Use solar heating on outdoor pools, where possible If using electric heating for pools, look for high efficiency heating units. Evaporation of pool water is a great source of loss. Pool blankets which can be used during off hours, or overnight, will greatly reduce evaporation, and also lower electric bills by reducing heat loss. As much as 70% of pool heat loss occurs through evaporation.

3 General Issues for Recreational Facilities Laundry Providing laundry services can use a surprising amount of energy and water resources. By using newer, high efficiency machines, water use can be reduced by up to 50% and electrical use by as much as 40%. Be sure to look for the Energy Star symbol when considering any new appliance. Solar Energy Stadiums and recreation centers can be ideal locations to take advantage of the sun s energy. Large roofs and buildings allow you to take full advantage by installing Passive panels to collect energy for space heating, Active panels to use for hot water and space heating and even photovoltaic panels to produce electricity. Solar energy can also be very effective for pool heating. According to a study of solar potential across Canada, the combination of seasonal sun availability and seasonal air temperatures make Halifax the third best city in Canada for Solar heating, just behind Victoria, BC -Solar Nova Scotia Hot Water Considerations In large facilities, hot water will have to travel greater distances to reach its destination. In consideration of this, steps to reduce heat loss, and therefore energy use, should be considered. These include: Improving tank insulation. Using heat traps or insulating pipes where hot water flows. Using solar energy to heat water. Recovering heat from other devices (such as condensers) to be used in heating water. Paint Regular maintenance often includes painting. There are now ways to be more environmentally friendly when painting. Recycled paint is often much cheaper than newly manufactured paint, and is widely available. As well, paint which is leftover at the end of a project, and cannot be used later may be able to be sent to a local Enviro-Depot for recycling. Paint cans that still contain product cannot go in landfills. Lighting Recreational Facilities often house a lot of lights. Many of these are exterior field and parking lights, as well as rink and pool room lighting. For an outdoor entrance, rugged compact fluorescents are a good choice. For large parking lots, you may consider High pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures; they are available in wall and polemounted fixtures. High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide HID lighting are the most efficient options for rinks and pool areas, as they will provide maximum lighting and minimum electricity cost compared to traditional options. These lights typically use less than half of the electricity required by traditional bulbs. This saving can greatly reduce your annual power bill. Facilities may also contain many exit/enter signs. For these lamps, LED lights use less than 2 watts and are virtually maintenance free. They can also last upwards of 20 years. Many of your existing lamps can easily be upgraded with and LED conversion kit. Inside your buildings, T8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts use about 40% less energy then conventional T12 tubes. Remember, even the most efficient lights can still waste energy. Lighting controls like timers, photocells and motion sensors can save money by turning of unnecessary lights in an unoccupied or day lit room. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Control temperature settings in buildings and parking facilities. Turn heat down or off during off hours. Limit access to thermostats. On older units, install timers or computer controls. Conduct routine maintenance on heating and ventilation equipment to ensure it is operating efficiently; replace old equipment with newer, more efficient equipment. Improve building envelope (ceilings, floors, walls, weather-stripping, caulking, doors seals, replace broken or cracked windows, storm windows, vestibules). Ensure that in cold areas, like an ice arena, that everything is sealed properly and you are heating your space and not the outdoors. Use daylight control measures, such as blinds or curtains, to reduce loads on HVAC systems Water conservation Consider some of these water conservation practices: Use water only as necessary. Check for and repair any leaks in the piping. Remind employees to turn off faucets and reports leaks. Remind facility patrons through the use of signage to make sure they tighten faucets when they are done with them. Install flow restrictors, aerators, toilet dams, urinal flushing controls, or other low-flow devices to faucets Install automatic shutoffs on faucets and fountains. Use appropriate settings on equipment and appliances to maximize water efficiency. Use cold water instead of hot water wherever possible. Evaporation of pool water is a great source of loss. Pool blankets which can be used during off hours, or overnight, will greatly reduce evaporation, and also lower electric bills by reducing heat loss. As much as 70% of pool heat loss occurs through evaporation. If a faucet drips once every second, 10,000 litres of water are wasted in one year!! Paper Use In bathrooms, high efficiency hand dryers or cloth towel rolls are a good alternative to paper towel use. These high efficiency hand dryers will dry hands faster than traditional units, while still using less electricity. In a gym, paper towel is often used to clean machines after every use. Supplying patrons with smaller sheets of paper towel, rather than uncut rolls of paper towel, will reduce the amount of waste generated, while ensuring machines still receive the appropriate cleaning. Wherever possible, recycled paper towel should be used. Using and

4 laundering cloth rags for general clean-up is also a good practice. General Purpose Cleaning Products Cleaning products can be among the most hazardous chemicals in any business. These products create hazardous waste - threatening human health and the natural environment. There are many green products available that are as effective as traditional ones. Look for Eco-Logo or Green Seal certified products. The following are points you should take into account when purchasing a cleaner for your business: Is it non-toxic to both humans and aquatic life? Is it biodegradable? Does it have a low corrosivity factor? Does it have acceptable Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC) levels? Is it sold in concentrated form? Can it work for multiple cleaning purposes? Is it effective when diluted with water at room temperature? (From Green Seal's "Chose Green Report" on General Purpose Cleaners - Other tips for purchasing cleaners: Try citric or terpene cleaners for cleaning, degreasing, or parts washing. Terpenes are oils isolated from plants through gentle heating or steam distillation. They are less toxic and more biodegradable than most solvents. Limonene cleaners are terpenes made of lemon or orange oils. Choose products with a neutral ph. Avoid petroleum-derived ingredients. Instead choose surfactants derived from vegetable oil. Look for d- limonene and pine oil solvents. Avoid phosphates, Choose products with a phosphate concentration of 0.5% or less by weight. Avoid products containing chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite. Use entryway systems such as mats and grates to reduce the need for cleaning supply usage. Recycling Place recycling bins in traffic areas so that employees and visitors can make use of them. Place recycling bins in locker rooms, stadium vicinity, and hallways in which patrons can place empty beverage containers and other recyclables. Use appropriate signage to help both staff and patrons. Don t forget to inspect material upon delivery and return any that are unacceptable to suppliers. Buy only what you need, and organize shelves so that old materials are used first. Return containers to suppliers for reuse. Encourage suppliers to send products in reusable packaging material. Landfill Bans Nova Scotia achieved its goal of 50% waste diversion by This was accomplished by adherence to the landfill bans that remain in place for many items including: corrugated cardboard, newsprint, beverage, steel/tin and glass food containers, automotive batteries and antifreeze, used tires, waste paint, compostable organic material and several types of plastics, including shrink wrap. Speak to local waste haulers, recyclers and organizations like the Eco-Efficiency Centre about options available to your organization. References and Resources We have used and referred to publications, fact sheets and web sites from a number of sources to compile this fact sheet. We would like to acknowledge these organizations and agencies, and refer you to them for additional information: Alternative Treatments for Pools and Spas, Pool Chemistry topics Custom Ice Inc. Low E Ceiling articles Cost-effective energy efficient improvements for Minnesota s public ice arenas Energy Efficiency Notes %20water%20efficiency' Energy Management Office - University of Vermont cy+projects.html#hockey_rink EMS Services Energy-Saving Measures at Ice Rinks - /caddet/english/r339.cfm?text=n&printview=n Light Better for Less Fact Sheet (NS government) NV_POLICY_factsheet.pdf Solar Energy for Nova Scotia FactSheet (Clean Nova Scotia) Water Users finding Creative Ways to Save Water in Colorado atuse9.html Telephone and Website Guide Eco-Efficiency Centre Tel Website - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Tel Website -

Atlantic Region, Environment Canada, P2 Tel - 902-426-7231 Website - www.atl.ec.gc.ca/epb/pollprev/ NS Dept of Environment and Labour Tel - 902-424-5300 Website - www.gov.ns.

5 Atlantic Region, Environment Canada, P2 Tel Website - NS Dept of Environment and Labour Tel Website - NS Materials Exchange Website - RRFB Nova Scotia Tel (toll-free) Website - Directory of Solid Waste, Reuse, Recycling and Composting Contacts in Nova Scotia For more information, contact: The Eco-Efficiency Centre Burnside Industrial Park Dartmouth, NS B3B 1P (telephone) (fax) eecentre@dal.ca ( ) (website) Last Updated Jan 2008

Environmental Policy Statement

Environmental Policy Statement recognizes the effect our business has on the environment and is committed to leading the industry in minimizing those effects by reducing our negative impacts on the environment