The Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) has issued a series of recommendations, both cyclical and structural, for the reduction of energy and water consumption in sports facilities, given the crisis in the sector, the entity said Friday.
“Given the current geopolitical and environmental situation and in line with European Union (EU) directives, it has become urgent to take measures to rationalize the use of energy and water resources, and the economic and environmental impacts of their production and use.”is stated in the IPDJ communiqué.
This set of recommendations covers areas such as lighting systems and electrically powered equipment, air conditioning and ventilation systems, as well as water systems.
“After a global pandemic that forced a lockdown of the population, which prevented them from exercising, closing facilities should be the last resort. We believe this package of recommendations minimizes the impact of the escalation on energy costs and contributes to a solution that enables the population to continue to exercise and exercise, this is the main concern of the IPDJ,” emphasized the entity headed by Vítor Pataco.
One of the long list of recommendations is to reduce the use of artificial light as much as possible, using natural light where possible, artificial light, as well as changing cleaning and maintenance routines, for times when it is possible to perform it with natural light.
“Reduce or eliminate non-essential artificial lighting from all indoor or outdoor spaces (for example, in the case of purely decorative lighting). The application of this recommendation should eliminate the safety concerns of the places,” the organization underlines.
It is also recommended to install occupancy sensors in changing rooms, work areas and internal and external circulation, which allow to manage the lighting according to the occupancy of the rooms.
“Limit the use of mechanical lifting equipment, where they exist, and recommend awareness-raising measures to reduce their use, preferring the use of stairs,” also suggested the IPDJ, also pointing to the need to “get to what is strictly necessary.” is, the use of electrical office, lighting and kitchen equipment”.
At the same time, it is requested, where possible, to promote natural ventilation of rooms, to avoid the use of artificial air-conditioning and to keep windows and doors closed in rooms where the use of air-conditioning is absolutely necessary.
Source: DN
