The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is aiming to reduce emissions at one of its largest sources this year.
The regional district plans to lower emissions at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre as part of the targets set in its corporate energy and emissions plan.
Manager of transit and facilities Mike Zbarsky said the region’s sports and aquatic centres account for nearly 60 per cent of its corporate emissions.
“This year our goal is to do major upgrades at the Aquatic Centre, which will reduce overall CVRD emissions by 30 per cent.”
The plan outlines how the district will reduce its organizational emissions to align with global targets aimed at limiting climate change impacts.
The district aims to cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and said efforts began last year with a 53 per cent reduction in gasoline emissions through reduced driving and continued electrification of its fleet.
This summer’s maintenance cycle will see aging natural gas-powered mechanical systems at the aquatic centre replaced with efficient heat pumps that will heat, cool and dehumidify the facility.
The investment will cost $2.5 million and is timed to replace equipment nearing the end of its useful life.
The upgrades are expected to extend the life of the facility and support long-term reliability.
