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Efficient Ice Rinks – Reducing Costs for Municipalities and Operators

Ice rinks face major challenges in the face of climate change and rising energy costs. They represent a significant cost factor for operators and local authorities alike. In his master’s thesis entitled ‘Ice rinks in the face of climate change – Analysis and assessment of energy efficiency potential using dynamic simulations’, Sebastian Lederer examined the operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of refrigeration systems employing direct CO₂ evaporation or indirect ammonia systems. The dynamic simulation model examines two types of ice rink.

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Auf einen Blick:

  • Das Problem: Der Klimawandel treibt die Betriebskosten von Eissporthallen massiv in die Höhe – besonders durch die zwingend notwendige, energieintensive Luftentfeuchtung gegen Nebelbildung.
  • Die Technologie-Lösung: Dynamische Simulationen zeigen: Transkritische CO₂-Anlagen lohnen sich bei kleineren Hallen mit hohem Nutz- und Trinkwarmwasserbedarf. Ammoniak-Systeme spielen ihre Stärke in großen Arenaräumen aus.
  • Der Hebel: Durch intelligente Kälte-Wärme-Kopplung wird die massive Abwärme der Eis-Kühlung direkt für Heizung, Duschen und die Eisbearbeitungsmaschine nutzbar gemacht.
  • Die Finanzierung: Das Bundesprogramm „Sanierung kommunaler Sportstätten“ unterstützt förderfähige Hallen des Breitensports aktuell mit insgesamt 333 Millionen Euro.

System Components of an Ice Rink

Diagram: Heating and cooling circuit for the ice rink
Diagram: Heating and cooling circuit for the ice rink
©Sebastian Lederer

An ice rink is a complex sports facility with diverse requirements. It consists of an arena space with a standardized ice surface used for ice hockey, figure skating, and public skating.
Ice hockey players are well equipped for cold conditions, whereas figure skaters and seated spectators require higher indoor temperatures. This creates varying thermal comfort requirements within the same building.
In addition to space conditioning, there are several other heat demands, including:

  • Ice resurfacing machines
  • Hot water systems
  • Changing rooms and showers
  • Entrance and foyer areas

Direct solar radiation would significantly increase the cooling load. Therefore, most ice rinks rely on artificial lighting. Switching to LED lighting can reduce both energy consumption and costs without compromising quality for athletes and visitors.
To prevent fog formation on the ice and condensation on building structures, air dehumidification systems are standard in modern ice rinks. Adsorption and condensation dehumidification systems are commonly used.
The master’s thesis analyzes these major energy consumers, evaluates system requirements, and examines the coupling of cooling and heating systems, including waste heat recovery, to improve overall efficiency.

A bird's-eye view of a ice hockey player stepping onto the ice – only the ice hockey skates are visible
Ammonia systems are particularly cost-effective for large arena spaces

Comparison of Refrigeration Systems in Heating-Cooling Coupling

When the demand for heat at higher temperature levels increases—such as in smaller arenas with higher domestic hot water demand—transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems become advantageous. 
Ammonia-based systems, on the other hand, perform well in larger arenas with lower temperature requirements.

The optimal solution depends on:

  • Usage patterns
  • Operating scenarios
  • Local electricity and heat prices

A comparative analysis helps reduce both operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

A Holistic Approach

While energy retrofitting and consulting have become largely standardized for residential and commercial buildings, this is not yet the case for ice rinks. 
Dynamic simulations enable a targeted evaluation of efficiency measures across all relevant areas, including:

  • Building envelope (e.g., window surfaces)
  • Lighting systems
  • Cooling and heating generation
  • Hygienic ventilation and dehumidification

This allows operators to optimize both investment and operating costs while ensuring that all technical systems are properly coordinated.

Current Funding Opportunities in Germany

The German federal program “Refurbishment of Municipal Sports Facilities” is currently supporting projects of regional and national importance with €333 million in funding for the 2025/2026 call. 
Ice rinks used for grassroots sports are explicitly eligible. Funding applies primarily to existing buildings and facilities, while replacement buildings are eligible only in exceptional cases.

 

Ice-making machine on the ice rink
Ice rinks, too, can be heated and cooled in a climate-neutral way, at least for the most part

Future Outlook: Ice Rinks in a Changing Climate

Ice rink infrastructure in Germany requires transformation. Municipalities and operators must consider the overall interaction between climate-neutral cooling and heat demand when making future investments.
Climate change is becoming a major cost driver. In particular, the need for air dehumidification to prevent fog and condensation significantly increases future operating costs.
goodmen energy supports you in preparing for these challenges. Using dynamic simulations, we analyze operating scenarios, develop feasibility studies, perform economic assessments, and create tailored operational strategies for your facility.

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