Retrofitting existing ice rinks and building new facilities are often similar, although retrofitting includes financing, analysing the extent of repair, and considering the existing fabric and plant systems. The basis for systematic property maintenance should be 'life cycle thinking', which includes all phases from planning to demolition. Energy audits and condition assessments play a key role, providing a comprehensive view of the building's condition, as the basis for the modernisation and retrofitting programme. The indoor quality is determined during the design phase when the structural and mechanical systems are sized. During operation, indoor conditions and energy consumption levels must be met.
Continuous monitoring is required.
During the maintenance phase, building energy optimisation and fault diagnosis are carried out. The energy consumption of an ice arena is determined by the construction, plant system and operation. Construction characteristics are the heat and moisture transfer properties of the ceiling and walls, floor structure, as well as air infiltration through openings in the building envelope. Plant characteristics include the refrigeration, ventilation, dehumidification, heating, lighting and ice maintenance systems. Operational aspects are the length of the skating season, air temperature and humidity, ice temperature, supply air temperature and fresh air intake of the air-handling unit, as well the control and adjustment parameters of the appliances.