Eco-Fitness: Sustainable Energy Systems
Since 2018, the ECFF has worked hard to implement sensible, energy-saving, sustainable energy systems in our aquatic facilities. Beginning with the installation of a Geothermal Pool Heating and Cooling system in Destin, we have been able to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in our environment. We have installed LED lighting in locker rooms, exterior lights, offices and pool areas. Variable speed pumps on the pool filter systems reduce electricity usage.
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation also benefits from a new Geothermal Pool Heating and Cooling System recently installed at the Arc Pool in Ft. Walton Beach, thanks to a very generous donation from a pool patron to the Arc of the Emerald Coast. These geothermal systems allow us to heat the pool for hundreds of dollars when it would otherwise cost thousands of dollars in the wintertime.
We continue to seek ways to preserve the environment and operate our facilities in a sensible, fiscally and environmentally-responsible manner.
Celebrating 6 years of Solar Array
The new solar array has been operational since April 2020. Since then, it has generated a total of 156 megawatts of energy. The array has prevented the emission of 329,000 pounds of carbon dioxide which is the equivalent of saving 2,500 trees.
All Points North Foundation Grant
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation received a $60,000 grant to install a solar panel array at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in Destin to harness renewable energy and reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. The grant was awarded by All Points North Foundation, an organization that provides funding for initiatives to implement solar projects in the United States as well as funding for middle school education and teacher training. The energy produced by the solar panels at the Taj meets 10% or more of the facility’s energy needs and saves an estimated $4,000 annually. The system was installed in April of 2020 and will provide 30 years of clean, reliable, renewable energy.
Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates two aquatic centers in Okaloosa county: the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in Destin and the Bernie R. Lefebvre Aquatic Center in Fort Walton Beach. Reducing energy consumption is a crucial step in ensuring sustained operation of these pool facilities. In early 2019, the ECFF installed a geo-thermal system at the Taj to reduce energy usage and costs to heat and cool the pool. ECFF hopes to add additional panels to the solar array at the Taj in coming years.
In April of 2020, SunFarm Energy from Pensacola installed the 24.09-kilowatt system consisting of 66 panels on the roof of the locker room building. SunFarm is a local expert installer of solar photovoltaic power systems, battery systems and chargers and serves the region from Northwest Florida to lower Alabama.
Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation treasurer Kathi Heapy said “We are grateful to All Points North Foundation for their support and the generous grant which allows us to meet our commitment to the environment as well as our commitment to the community to provide safe, affordable community pools.”
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