Swiss Life Arena produces ice in a CO2-neutral way

Zürich, June 2021

The Swiss Life Arena should meet the Minergie standard for ice rinks. To this end, the stadium's heat, cold and electricity are generated in a CO2-neutral manner. The waste heat from the cooling machines for the ice surface is also to be used by the Altstetten and Höngg energy network.

The Swiss Life Arena should be “a showpiece in terms of energy efficiency”, writes the electricity company of the city of Zurich ( ewz ) in a press release . It created the energy concept for the ice rink in Zurich Altstetten. “We have incorporated our many years of experience in the planning, implementation and technical operation of arenas such as the Hallenstadion in Zurich, the Swisspor Arena in Lucerne or the Vaudoise Arena in Lausanne,” says Christoph Deiss, Head of Energy Solutions at ewz Communication cited.

The heart of the concept is the arena’s energy center, which produces the cold for the ice surface and the energy for the indoor climate. The waste heat produced by the four refrigeration machines is used on the one hand to heat the rooms. On the other hand, the arena is to be connected to the Altstetten and Höngg energy network. In this way, the waste heat from the refrigeration machines will contribute to the heat supply of households connected to the energy network in the future. “We decided on an energy concept from ewz that guarantees ecological sustainability,” said Peter Zahner, CEO of the ZSC Lions , in the message. “We were particularly impressed by the innovative approach to utilize synergies – not least from an economic point of view.”

In order for the Swiss Life Arena to meet the Minergie standard for ice arenas, a photovoltaic system with an output of 400 kilowatts peak will also be installed on the roof of the stadium. Heating and cooling as well as the electricity additionally supplied by ewz are produced “100 percent CO2-free”, writes ewz. A building automation system should control the systems in a demand-oriented and energy-efficient manner.

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