New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency undertakes GSS Loan to Hutt City Council for New Zealand’s first Green Star rated swimming pool
Under New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (“LGFA”) Green Buildings category, Hutt City Council (HCC) has commenced borrowing up to NZ$41 million for the rebuild of the Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre . The new swimming pool will be 65% bigger than the old pool and will be much more energy efficient with up to 53% reduction on energy use. Due to open in July 2024, the Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre will have the following sustainability design features:
- A building that is resilient to the impacts of a changing climate and natural disasters;
- High quality indoor air quality and high standards of acoustic, lighting, visual and thermal comfort;
- EV parks with charging points and secure bicycle stands;
- Ground-water source heat pumps;
- High efficiency heat recovery air-handling units providing dehumidification and air conditioning;
- High efficiency window and glazing suites.
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry welcomed the news. “We have always said we would do this project differently, and that includes putting our environment at the centre of the rebuild. The green loan demonstrates that we are making good on our commitment to deliver more sustainable projects in our city.”
Hutt City Council Chief Executive Jo Miller said caring for and protecting the environment was one of the six key priorities for Hutt Council in the Council’s 10-year-plan. A key driver across the Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre planning was sustainability, not just during the life of the project build but also for the future operation of the facility.
“Right from the beginning we have ensured this project meets our new sustainable priorities. We are focused on reducing the impact on our environment, providing a state-of-the-art facility that delivers for our community, reduces ongoing operational costs and achieves a New Zealand Green Building Council 5 Green Star rated aquatic building – a first in New Zealand.”
“Being part of the LGFA green funding programme recognises all the work the team has put in to deliver a greener facility with the additional benefit of cost savings across the life of the loan. This is a win win situation for our ratepayers who get a state-of-the-art pool and fitness centre with savings because of our determination to build greener. We continue to improve the infrastructure across the city which was a main element of feedback on our 10-year-plan while being financial prudent and finding savings where we can – this all supports building a better place to live for Hutt residents,” she said.
The Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre is the third eligible project approved for GSS lending by LGFA since launching the product at the end of 2021. As at 11 July 2022, LGFA has approved eligible projects totalling NZ$450 million and there have been NZ$73 million of GSS loans drawn to date.