Sustainable public pools: Design, technical and operational concepts 

Moderator: Dr Stefan Kannewischer

As aquatic facilities evolve, sustainability and urban resilience are at the forefront. From reducing embodied carbon in pool tank construction to learning from a decade of practical decarbonisation strategies, these sessions explore how data-driven decisions and holistic planning can lower energy use and costs. Looking ahead, hybrid pool concepts highlight the role of multi-use, compact designs in shaping sustainable urban development. Together, these perspectives reveal how rethinking construction, operation, and urban integration can create aquatic facilities that are not only efficient, but also vital assets for future communities.

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On the panel

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The chemist graduate has been the Scientific Director of the KIT Innovation Hub „Prevention in Construction“ since 2016. His main areas of work include prevention in construction, surface protection systems, durability of cement-based materials, and sustainable infrastructure.

Prof. Dr Andreas Gerdes
KIT Innovation Hub, Germany

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Nick Yannakis is a Director at Beca, with over 15 years’ experience in the engineering design and operation of aquatic facilities. Having delivered 200+ projects across Australasia, Nick specialises in optimising energy performance and decarbonisation - supported by proprietary software developed by his team to drive innovation and sustainable outcomes in aquatic facility design.

Nick Yannakis
Director Aquatic Services, Beca, New Zealand

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For nearly a quarter of a century, the owner of AHM Architekten served as a professor at the University of Kassel in the Department of Architecture, Urban and Landscape Planning. She is a long-standing member of the International Academy for Bath, Sports and Leisure Buildings (IAB) and has served on design advisory boards in cities such as Kassel and Marburg.

Prof. Brigitte Häntsch
Owner, AHM Architekten, Germany

Comparison of pool tank construction with regard to sustainability / embodied carbon
Prof. Dr Andreas Gerdes, KIT Innovation Hub, Germany

Decarbonising aquatic facilities: Lessons from a decade of transformation
Nick Yannakis, Director Aquatic Services, Beca, New Zealand
Drawing on a decade of experience, Nick shares practical insights into decarbonising aquatic facilities amidst rising energy costs. He will discuss why understanding your facility’s unique energy profile is critical, pitfalls of “fuel-switching” without planning, and how holistic strate¬gies—rooted in real data—can deliver sustainable, cost-effective outcomes for existing and future aquatic assets.

Hybrid pool concepts: combined use as an urban planning benefit?
Prof. Brigitte Häntsch, Owner, AHM Architekten, Germany
In order to meet the goals of sustainable development in construction, land use is a key issue. Instead of the typical single- or two-story swimming pool buildings, we will increasingly see compact, multi-story hybrid pool buildings emerging in dense urban areas through the combi¬nation with other uses. What architectural and functional challenges do these hybrid buildings present?