March 6, 2024
In Desvres, the Naturéo aquatic center is now heated… with steel!
At a time when energy efficiency is becoming essential for commercial and industrial sites, the new aquatic center of the Desvres-Samer Community of Communes (CCDS), named Naturéo, exemplifies the region’s innovative policy of combining quality of life with environmental sustainability. Connected to an ArcelorMittal facility, its pools are heated using waste heat recovered from the steel production process. Selected in 2019 by the CCDS alongside BC Nord and Rabot Dutilleul Construction to equip Naturéo with innovative HVAC systems, Equans France, through its subsidiary Axima, is now responsible for monitoring the aquatic center’s energy performance for 10 years. With the first annual report exceeding expectations in terms of water and energy savings, let’s take a closer look at the various optimization strategies for this unique and energy-efficient building!
Credit: Naturéo
A bioclimatic and energy-efficient approach to building design
The main distinctive feature of the Desvres swimming pool is its connection—managed by Axima’s teams—to the ArcelorMittal steel production facility, located 300 meters away. To manufacture its galvanized steel sheets, the plant operates massive furnaces whose heat represents a significant energy resource. An agreement was therefore signed with the Desvres Community of Communes to establish a waste heat recovery system that heats the various pools at a very reasonable cost.
With the same goal of minimizing energy loss, a green roof, installed and operated by Equans, was designed to absorb the sun’s heat and prevent the building from overheating during the summer. Finally, and as the latest innovation to date, through the installation of “double-walled pipes,” it is now possible to recover heat from graywater—in this case, shower water—to supplement the heating of the pools.
The main challenge of this new infrastructure is therefore to balance cost control of operations and a bioclimatic approach to the building in order to achieve optimized management of energy resources (water, gas, electricity). Several initiatives have been launched toward this end to meet the performance commitments proposed by the Equans entity.
Credit: Naturéo
The new system has generated 23% more water savings than the target and 4% more energy savings than expected.
Air Treatment for Equipment Sustainability
Specializing in HVAC solutions for all types of buildings, Axima was selected to provide air treatment and conditioning for the 3,948 m² Desvres Aquatic Center, which consists of three recreational and competitive pools, a wellness area, and a fitness center. Axima successfully met the significant challenges of managing the center’s energy consumption while adhering to the specific requirements of aquatic facilities: control of temperature, humidity, pressure, chlorination, hygiene, etc.
User comfort and equipment durability require the continuous operation of air-handling units and water filtration systems. Without precise control of humidity levels and airflow, the systems can deteriorate, particularly due to mold growth and dust accumulation. Thanks to a hybrid dehumidification system that combines fresh air modulation and cooling coils, as well as five air handling units installed by Equans, evaporation from the hot water pools and the influx of swimmers is constantly regulated to ensure healthy air and a pleasant environment. Stale, chlorinated air is vented outside.
Credit: Naturéo
The Desvres Aquatic Center is the culmination of six years of work. Axima is proud of the final result: a public facility that meets users’ expectations and is energy-efficient, thanks in part to timely collaboration with a local industrial partner. Economic and environmental benefits go hand in hand—that is what sustainable development is all about. Hacene Jabraoui, Axima, a division of Equans France.
This is an exceptional project. A former cement plant converted into a relaxation and recreation space, the Naturéo Aquatic Center is particularly innovative thanks to the heat recovery system from the nearby ArcelorMittal plant. This facility contributes to both “happy frugality” and the energy transition! Claude Prudhomme, President of the Desvres-Samer Community of Communes and Mayor of Crémarest.
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