The Watershed

Sport facility type

• Indoor swimming pools
• Indoor sports centre
• Outdoor courts of artificial or natural grass

Is the facility part of the sports complex?

Yes

Description

The Watershed Kilkenny is a modern, multi-purpose sports and leisure facility designed with energy-conscious operations in mind. Featuring a FINA-standard pool, gym, athletics track, and community spaces, it prioritizes efficient water management, optimized heating systems, and sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact while serving thousands of visitors annually.

Size

• Indoor Space: 5 152 m²
• Outdoor Space: 0 m²

Other relevant information about the sports facility

Energy is the second-highest operating cost after labour. The Watershed has leveraged SEAI grants, BEC grant, an ESCO for biomass, and an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) for 2019 measures. An Energy Committee oversees actions and culture.

Sustainability pillars of the innovation'

• Energy
• Governance

Subcategories

• Lighting: Installation of LED lighting, presence or brightness control systems.
• Heating and cooling systems: Solutions to optimize the use of heat or cold for space conditioning or water vessels.
• Specific Technologies: Solutions such as waste heat recovery, thermal or electrical energy storage, and more.
• Data and monitoring: Systems to improve data collection and monitoring.
• Certification: External sustainability certifications.
• Resourcing: Sustainability roles and or teams.
• EPC (2019) and ESCO (biomass, 2023) contracting models enabled delivery without traditional capital.

Innovation description

Since 2019, The Watershed has delivered a staged energy transformation LED retrofits, sensor lighting, efficient pumps, BMS integration, 150 kWp rooftop PV (2022, 25 of annual electricity), biomass boiler (2023, replaces gas for poolshower heating), and tariff optimization. Delivery was enabled via EPC, BEC grant loan, ESCO SEAI grant. Continuous governance through an Energy Committee sustains performance and culture.

Innovation Type

Process innovation

Approximate cost of investment in innovation (in €, excluding VAT)

PV 85k loan 50k BEC grant (total project cost not explicitly stated) Biomass ESCOSEAI grant (site costs not itemised) LEDEPC cost not specified

Aid or subsidy to encourage the implementation of the innovation

BEC grant 50k (PV, 2022) SEAI grant scheme (biomass, 2023) Loan 85k (PV, 2022)

Years for the return on investment (ROI)

Pros of the Innovation

Material energy carbon reductions (30 energy savings to date)

Cost resilience amid energy price surges

Replicable governance model (EPCESCO committeeBMS)

Cons of the Innovation

Upfront investmentfinancing complexity

Operational dependencies (biomass logistics, maintenance)

Performance variability (PV generation vs. weather)

Facility Indicators

Other sustainability measures you have introduced

• LED lights
• Solar panels

Other relevant information related with innovation

PV provides up to 25 of annual electricity use. Energy prices rose 56 (electricity) and 55 (gas) projects mitigated exposure. Energy Audit (3CEA, 2022) provides further recommendations.

Interest in a specific need that can be addressed by a company offering an innovative sustainability solution.

Solar thermal, external lighting upgrades, mechanical ventilationAHU upgrades, additional pumpplant efficiency, and broader controls optimisation. Interest in innovative solutions, grant support, and capital-light delivery models to accelerate decarbonisation toward Net Zero by 2050.