Sustainability is one of our top priorities at the City of Swan.

As outlined in our Strategic Community Plan, we’re committed to caring for and protecting our natural environment. That’s why we prioritised sustainability and took an environmentally conscious approach to our $30 million refurbishment of Swan Active Midland.

Before construction started in Midland, we completed an energy audit for all of our Swan Active facilities. The audit told us our gas consumption was higher than the industry standard and our electricity consumption was lower. Although our electricity consumption was low, we still wanted to do everything we could to maximise our sustainability while meeting the community’s needs.

When planning the Midland refurbishment, the energy audit informed our decisions to:

• Use passive solar design to harness the sun’s energy for heating and cooling, reducing gas consumption
• Install wind lobbies to help maintain consistent temperatures, using less energy for heating and cooling
• Install enhanced thermal insulation to external walls, floor and roofs to help maintain consistent temperatures, using less energy for heating and cooling
• Increase ventilation in the pool areas to help maintain consistent temperatures, using less energy for heating and cooling
• Use skylights and roof windows to maximise natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial light
• Install low-energy LEDs to reduce energy consumption
• Install water-efficient taps, appliances and irrigation systems to reduce excessive water use
• Use passive ventilation when ambient conditions permit to help maintain consistent temperatures, using less energy for heating and cooling
• Appoint an energy/sustainability champion to focus on improved environmental outcomes and opportunities
• Provide staff with training about the building’s passive design and how to operate the building for maximum efficiency
• Aim to reduce our reliance on gas and decrease the City’s carbon footprint by using alternative energy sources.

Being environmentally responsible is a constant work in progress and we are committed to regularly reviewing our operations and striving to minimise our environmental footprint.