Covington Aquatic Center Energy Efficiency Makeover City of Covington, WA

AWC Municipal Excellence Awards Going Green – Submittal

Project Statement The HVAC system in Covington’s popular Aquatic Center was aging, difficult to monitor, causing an unpleasant aquatic environment, and resulting in exorbitant energy costs. Through creative project funding and with energy conservation measures installed, including energy efficient fixtures and occupancy sensors, the Covington Aquatic Center is now contributing to reduced energy consumption and is reaping the cost-saving rewards of its energy efficiency makeover.

Project Summary The Covington Aquatic Center was built in 1976 as part of the King County Forward Thrust Program. In 2004, King County transferred ownership of the aquatic center to the City of Covington and the City has been operating it since. When the City acquired the aquatic center, it was showing its age, experiencing equipment failures and infrastructure problems. The City was also encountering increasing energy costs to operate the facility.

In 2006, the City expended resources to help improve the aquatic center by re-plastering and re- tiling the pool tank, painting the pool room, replacing the pool steps, installing artwork, replacing underwater lights with LED lights, replacing lifeguard chairs, installing a fourth pace clock, repairing the main pool drain, and repairing the roof drain.

While these improvements helped give the center a much needed facelift, it was evident that the facility’s HVAC system was in dire need of an upgrade as well. Not only was the old system draining funds through its inefficient operation, it was literally impossible to maintain a comfort level in the center and it was often breaking down. There was little to no air movement in the facility and that was creating stagnate conditions around the pool and causing the workspace and office areas to be too hot and humid for employees. Additionally, there was problems with electronic equipment that was breaking frequently.

So, in December 2007, the City entered into an agreement with TAC Energy Solutions to give the aquatic center the energy efficiency makeover it was due. Throughout 2008, improvements were made including: replacing the air handling unit and heat recovery system serving the pool area, refurbishing the air handling system serving the locker room and staff areas, clean the interior HVAC system and heating coil, rebalancing air flows, installing an energy management system, upgrading to energy efficient lighting, and installing occupancy sensors.

Project Objectives  To provide an energy efficient aquatic center that will reduce energy costs, a bill ultimately paid by the taxpayers.

 To provide a more comfortable aquatic environment for users to enjoy and for employees to be able to work more efficiently.

1 Covington Aquatic Center Energy Efficiency Makeover AWC Award Submittal – Going Green Category

Accomplishments The replacement of the HVAC system and other improvements are estimated to save the City more than $18,000 annually in utility costs. The upgrades have resulted in a more comfortable environment that doesn’t feel like a “sauna” due to the malfunctioning HVAC system. The occupancy sensors allow lights to be turned on and off automatically based on whether there is anyone in the room. The new direct digital control energy management system operates both of the center’s HVAC systems in which staff can control the indoor environment effortlessly and precisely.

Although the project has only been complete for four months, energy savings are already evident on utility bills.

Utility Savings as of 1 st Quarter 2009 Electricity – 22.6% decrease Water & Sewage – 39.7% decrease* Natural Gas – 4% decrease

*Take into account that the pool was drained and refilled in 1st quarter 2008, accounting for some of the decrease.

Long Term Value Over the long run, energy savings for the aquatic center directly result in a benefit to the taxpayers. These savings could potentially help to prevent fee increases and raising taxes to pay to operate an inefficient center. Additionally, through the performance contract with TAC Energy Systems, TAC guarantees the amount of savings the facility will achieve due to the upgrades and agrees to pay the difference if that amount is not realized.

Partnerships The energy efficiency makeover of the Covington Aquatic Center was the direct result of various partnerships that made the project happen. Efforts by 47th District State Representative Pat Sullivan and the support of Senator Claudia Kauffman and Representative Geoff Simpson led to a $350,000 grant from the Community Trade and Economic Development Department of the state to help fund the project. Additionally, local energy giant Puget Sound Energy provided a rebate to assist with funding.

Budget/Funding Due to a tight budget, the City was only able to provide for the upgrades through a state grant, leftover funds from a previous pool project and a tax exempt loan through a program known as Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC). The City will use the energy savings from the upgrades and a rebate from Puget Sound Energy to offset the cost of the loan over the life of the loan. Without having the energy efficiency component, the project could not have been funded.

Total Project Cost: Grant $344,750 PSE Rebate $56,319 Leftover Funds $37,903 Loan $308,068 Total $747,040

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