A new piece of equipment installed at a city swimming pool means Norwich is leading by example in the fight against carbon emission.

Norwich City Council and Leisure Connection have been working together on an energy audit for the Riverside Leisure Centre, with a major opportunity identified in using cutting edge technology to cover the pool when it is not being used.

The system reduces energy use by up to 30 per cent and ensures that the water is kept at a constant temperature, which means early morning bathers get a nice warm pool, as well as dramatically lowering energy use.


Councillor Brian Morrey, Executive Member for sustainable city development, said: "This is a first for Norfolk, and I'm really pleased Norwich is leading the way once again in cutting carbon by introducing this great piece of kit."

The liquid based cover is always present in the water and when there is no movement in the pool the molecules race to the top, making an invisible barrier on the surface by 'linking hands' and holding the heat in.

The project makes up just one part of the city council’s long terms aim to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2012.

(CD)