Charlottetown pool-rink complex getting energy retrofit

Less than six years after it was built, the CARI rink and pool complex at UPEI is getting a $1.6-million energy efficiency overhaul.

'In our industry a lot of the innovations have happened in the last few years.' Jamie Cottingham, CARI

The money was part of more than $100 million in government infrastructure money announced in Charlottetown last week.

The Charlottetown facility was built five and a half years ago with green energy in mind. The ACOA minister of the day boasted about the efficient design and innovative approach to energy use at the CARI complex.

Jamie Cottingham, general manager of the CARI facility, told CBC News Monday most of the technologies approved for this project just weren't available six years ago.

"In our industry a lot of the innovations have happened in the last few years, surprisingly enough. You would think that this stuff would be available a few years ago," said Cottingham.

"They did a great job. I mean they did look forward. All we're going to do is expand on it."

Improved lighting

Cottingham said energy savings from the improvements will pay for the $1.6 million project in just seven years, dropping operating costs by a minimum of 15 per cent per year.

One of the most obvious improvements will be to the way the rinks are lit.

"It will be a more even lighting, and also it enables us to turn our lights on or off just like you would when you walk into a room," he said.

"Currently, the lighting here takes awhile to warm up plus if it's hot and you shut it down, it takes another 10 minutes to turn it back on."

Other improvements are being made to the heat recovery system, the compressors, refrigeration units as well as the air distribution systems. All of the work is expected to be done by next spring.