Enhancing Community Health and Environmental Wellbeing
Campbelltown Catholic Club’s award-winning gym, Aquafit Health, Fitness, Wellbeing is embarking on an ambitious journey towards sustainability. As a business, Aquafit is celebrating 20 years in the community in 2024 and is using this milestone as an opportunity to look to the future and continue to support their community. With a focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility, Aquafit’s innovative sustainability initiatives aim to reduce its environmental footprint while inspiring positive change within the fitness industry and beyond.
Aquafit’s General Manager, Kristen Green, calls it a win-win for the environment, our business, local community and Aquafit members.
But what might surprise many Catholic Club members is that the project is not being spearheaded by a master engineer, but by a master chef. Peter Sheppard, Campbelltown Catholic Clubs Director of Food and Beverage, is a driving force behind the upgrade.
“Sustainability has been a big part of my food philosophy for a long time,” Peter said. The Catholic Club’s restaurants only use sustainable/free range produce, while partnering with home-grown local suppliers.
“Anything that affects our food security and quality of produce is a big deal in kitchens, so many chefs are advocates for sustainable practices — and I’m fortunate to work for a club that supports me doing things I believe in.”
Peter’s advocacy for sustainable practices extends beyond the kitchen, driving Aquafit’s transition to renewable energy sources.
“There are some amazing pieces of technology already in place, and emerging, in this sector and businesses like our club have a part to play supporting the Australian companies that are developing and implementing them,” Peter said.
“This project will both reduce our reliance on power from the grid and also make us more efficient in how we use that power. At current energy prices the combined project is expected to pay for itself in three to four years.
“But really, as we move away from fossil fuel and into sustainable energy sources, we ease the effects that climate change and conventional energy production have on our day to day running costs and those of living, so the incentive is much greater.”
Aquafit’s three main sustainability initiatives include:
1. Rooftop solar panels
Harnessing the power of the sun, we’re installing (in two stages) a sleek 100kW solar panel array, offsetting a quarter of energy consumption and leveraging government incentives to accelerate its transition to clean energy.
2. Pool blankets
Ever noticed steam rising from a heated pool on a chilly day? That’s heat escaping, so thermal foam blankets are a simple yet effective way to trap heat at — cutting energy use by up to 40%.
3. Inverter Heat Pumps
We’ll swap our gas-powered pool heaters with a revolutionary heat pump system that operates at high efficiency (up to 600%). They work like this – they take heat from the air around the pool, turn it into gas, and then use a compressor to boost its temperature to a scorching 93ºC. Then, that heat is transferred to the pool water. A never-ending dance of efficiency.
Work has only just started but Aquafit is buoyed by the positive public response, one online comment stating: “Sustainability is not a buzz word anymore. It is now being measured by members, current and future. Top stuff!”
Beyond financial considerations, Aquafit’s sustainability journey embodies a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting energy efficiency, Aquafit is contributing to climate resilience and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for its members and the community at large.
“This is something our community and members can be proud of” said Aquafit’s General Manager Kristen Green. “By choosing to be a part of Aquafit, members are not only investing in their own wellness, but also contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for our community.”
After two decades of supporting the community, Aquafit’s commitment to sustainability is not just about enhancing its facilities; it’s a reflection of its core values and dedication to community and wellness in the long term.
As Aquafit embarks on this transformative journey, it sets a powerful example for the fitness industry and beyond, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only feasible but essential for creating a healthier, more resilient future.
Who is Aquafit?
There are many gyms out there, but there is only one Aquafit
Aquafit is a multi awarding winning health and wellness facility located in the heart of Campbelltown, within the Campbelltown Catholic Club precinct. Since 2004, Aquafit has been supporting the Macarthur community and has emerged as a leader within the fitness industry.
The Aquafit Difference
Aquafit is a place where you can feel comfortable, where you can work towards achieving your health and fitness goals supported by qualified trainers and like-minded members, where you can train hard or unwind – and where you are part of the family.
Yes, our equipment is state of the art, our facility immaculate and our pools sparkling, but what really sets us apart is our commitment to our members.
