Key Facts
• Construction began on geothermal air conditioning at Ibara Gymnasium in Ibara City.
• First large-scale gym in Okayama Prefecture to adopt this renewable energy system.
• Facility will remain closed until March 2026, reopening in April.
• Geothermal heat at 100 meters underground averages 17.2°C year-round.
• 41 pipes (16 cm diameter) will be installed in the parking lot.
• Energy consumption will be halved, reducing CO2 emissions by 60%.
• Built in 1979, the gym spans 4,100 square meters with 600 spectator seats.
• Additional upgrades include solar panels, 16 parking spaces, and modernized restrooms.
• Total project cost: ¥537.5 million.
• The gym serves as a designated emergency evacuation site.
Summary
Ibara Gymnasium in Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, is undergoing renovations to install a geothermal heating and cooling system, marking the first such initiative for a large-scale gym in the region. The system leverages stable underground temperatures (17.2°C at 100 meters) to efficiently regulate indoor climate, cutting energy consumption by half and reducing CO2 emissions by 60%. The project, costing ¥537.5 million, also includes solar panel installation, expanded parking, and restroom upgrades. The gym, built in 1979 and widely used for sports and training, will remain closed until March 2026, with reopening planned for April. As a designated emergency evacuation site, the upgrades aim to enhance both environmental sustainability and user comfort.
