The successful installation of a solar project at Yarra Valley Water’s Mitcham head office will allow the water authority to continue reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
A third of the head office’s energy will now be generated onsite from solar, which is an important stride towards the organisation’s goal of producing 100 per cent of its own renewable energy by 2025.
The project follows the installation of solar panels at Yarra Valley Water’s Upper Yarra, Healesville and Whittlesea treatment plants.
It will also deliver a $90,000 saving on the organisation’s power bills, which Yarra Valley Water will contribute towards more ventures aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
Yarra Valley Water’s Managing Director, Pat McCafferty, said that the completion of the Mitcham solar project is another step towards Yarra Valley Water’s larger goal of becoming carbon neutral.
“We are committed to investing in sustainable and renewable practices that allow us to do business as normal while preserving the environment.
“Climate change and our future water security are inextricably linked, that is why we are looking to embrace more renewable energy opportunities across the business,” Mr McCafferty said.
Electric vehicle charging stations have also been installed at the carpark for both fleet and staff cars. The panels also have the added benefits of increased shaded parking and preventing hail damage to cars.
This solar project has been completed concurrently with Yarra Valley Water signing an innovative energy deal with 12 other water corporations.
The partnership will allow the companies to purchase solar power collectively from Kiamal Solar Farm under a new entity called Zero Emissions Water (ZEW), at a much cheaper rate than would have been possible individually.
