IMMENSE energy savings could be achieved at the planned wellbeing hub for the Wee County.

An update on the project will be heard by Clackmannanshire Council at a meeting on Thursday, March 23, with documents outlining the benefits of the Passivhaus Standard.

With important sustainability targets in the years ahead, along with net zero commitments, energy use will drive the approach to the building's fabric and form, orientation, materials and well as heating and cooling strategies.

Developed by the Passivhaus Institut in Germany, the standard aims to design buildings so that they use the lowest amount of energy possible.

It is understood to be the only internationally-recognised, performance-based energy standard in construction.

Buildings constructed to this standard make efficient use of the sun, internal heat sources and heat recovery.

The standard adopts a whole-building approach with clear and measured targets, focusing on high-quality construction.

And plans are not just for the wellbeing hub, featuring a swimming pool, to adopt the standard but also for a new-build Lochies School to do the same on the same site in the west of Alloa.

“Adopting the Passivhaus Standard for the joint project will achieve the highest energy saving potential and deliver the lowest possible ongoing running costs,” papers for the meeting outlined.

It is estimated, based on benchmark information, that adopting the standard could achieve a circa 49 per cent reduction in energy consumption for the hub.

Documents to be noted by councillors explained that St Sidwells Point in Exeter is the currently only pool in the UK built to a full Passivhaus Standard.

Exeter City Council is reporting up to 60-70 per cent reduction in energy consumption over current building regulations for St Sidwells Point.

While the figures are still to be ratified they “do provide a good indication of the significant energy saving potential from a comparable facility”.

Council papers added: “The Passivhaus Standard will also critically ensure the wellbeing hub and Lochies School have a considerably lower impact on the environment to that of a normal swimming pool, leisure centre and school.

“Ensuring these key buildings are fit for the future and deliver against the Clackmannanshire Council Interim Climate Change Strategy.”

As reported elsewhere, the wellbeing hub is in the design stage with construction expected to begin in late-2024 before being finished by the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, the council's Sport and Leisure Team, working in partnership with Scottish Swimming, Dollar Academy and Active Stirling, is developing a programme of curricular swimming.

The aim is to deliver the first phase of the water safety and aquatics skills programme this summer.

Recruitment and training is planned for lifeguards and teachers who will deliver lessons to all P5 children from Wee County schools.