Painting the ice with an environmentally friendly, reflective and thermally conductive white reduces refrigeration costs by reflecting radiant heat energy away from the skating surface and creates a healthier environment for skaters.
If the slab were the colour of dark sand or grey concrete, the heat and light energy would be more readily absorbed and would have to be removed by the ice plant.
Reflecting light back into the rink also reduces the amount and number of lights required to provide adequate illumination, for further energy savings.
Choose ice surface paints designed to be thermally conductive. This reduces the heat transfer through the ice and help conserve energy.
Benefits:
- Safer environment for skaters
- Hydro savings
Savings:
- Reduces the refrigerant load by five to 15 per cent compared to “dark ice.”
Web resources:
- Manitoba Hydro: Energy Efficiency Guide for Municipal Recreation Facilities, page 42
- Metro Vancouver: Managing Waste Water Pools and Rinks
