LA CALINESIE

Our local authority aimed to create a large-scale facility that would be both foundational and attractive for the region. Aware of the challenges associated with controlling operating costs, our elected officials prioritized cutting-edge technical innovations, integrating the project into a comprehensive, sustainable, and energy-efficient approach. Given global concerns about water management, it was essential to adopt an innovative solution to break away from the energy-intensive image of aquatic facilities. The chosen solution – the creation of a water treatment plant – represents a national first, validated by prefectural decree.

Initially designed to pump 35,000 m³ per year, the system exceeded its targets with nearly 50,000 m³ pumped in 2022 and 2023, for a total consumption of 75,000 m³. In four years of operation, 140,000 m³ have been saved, representing €900,000. Building on these results, we are now aiming for complete water autonomy, in partnership with the ARS, to extend the use of this water to showers and restrooms. The installation of a COT meter allows for even more precise monitoring of quality parameters and alerts.

Sustainable water management is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at the building's energy autonomy: - A biomass boiler covers 85% of heating needs, fueled by wood chips from New Aquitaine forests. Carbon footprint controlled. - An absorption heat pump ensures dehumidification of the pool hall, optimizing energy performance. - 5,000 m² of recently installed photovoltaic panels enhance the site's electrical autonomy. - a bioclimatic design, thanks to its orientation to the sun and winds, as well as the building's high thermal mass (concrete), gives our aquatic center excellent intrinsic thermal quality.

To meet the demands of high site attendance – 264,000 annual entries (projected), including 90,000 during the summer period – the sizing and operating model of La Calinésie required considerable water volumes to ensure legal renewals. The challenge was significant: to find a sustainable and innovative solution to validate the creation of this facility. The answer came from a unique project in France: using water from Lake Dagueys, classified as a Natura 2000 site, instead of relying on the drinking water network. After specific treatment, this water supplies the pools, green spaces, floor cleaning, and even footbaths, with overflow redistributed to the restrooms. This approach saves drinking water resources while preserving ecological balance. To ensure the sustainability/preservation of the water table and avoid overloading sanitation infrastructure, buffer overflow basins were created, collecting depolluted pool drainage water to return it to the natural environment (4000m3/year).