“The system will avoid 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.”
As part of the fabric of Australia, Australia Post CBD contributes to everyday life and business success across the nation through its people, products, services and community investment.
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Project overview
Location
Bourke Street, Melbourne
System Size
6kW
Estimated Annual Production
9 MWh
Estimated Annual Carbon Offset
12 tonnes
Solar Panels
30 x Sanyo 200W
Solar Inverter
56 x M-215 Enphase micro-inverters
Completion Date
October 2010
Australia Post believes that climate change is one of the greatest economic, social and environmental challenges of our time. In an attempt to combat it, Australia Post maintains an environmental management system which includes a Green Building Strategy, focusing, among other things, on energy efficiency and use.
When Australia Post moved its Melbourne head quarters from Exhibition Street to Bourke Street at the end of 2009, a major objective was to incorporate environmentally sustainable building design. One of the main planned enhancements was a solar system to power the building’s signage.
After being approached to design and install a system for Australia Post Melbourne CBD, Energy Matters Project Manager, Hugh Murtagh, chose 30 Sanyo 210 Watt solar panels for their high efficiency, along with a Sunny Mini Central 6000TL inverter.
On the rooftop of the 22nd-story Bourke St building, the system was designed to produce maximum output from the bit of roof space available to power the building’s signage.
“Roughly 24kW hours of energy are required per day to run the sign, and the solar system was designed to match that number”, said Mr Murtagh.
Mr Murtagh mentioned that the building’s height created some tricky logistical challenges for the install team. “Moving the equipment to the roof took nearly an entire day”, Mr Murtagh said, “ but luckily the weather was very good for the week when we installed, and the view was spectacular.”
The system will offset 12 tonnes of CO2 per year – the equivalent of carbon produced by 12 postie bikes over the same time period.
Broader benefits of solar implementation
The transition to solar energy represents a significant shift in how corporations approach sustainability and environmental responsibility. The investment in solar technology enables Australia Post to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and also boost its brand reputation as a leader in corporate sustainability. This initiative resonates well with consumers increasingly concerned about environmental issues.
Also, the financial benefits of solar energy can’t be overlooked. Installing solar panels can significantly reduce operational costs. As demand for energy processes continues to rise, self-generating power becomes a strategic advantage, protecting the company from market volatility. The Australian government provides various incentives and rebates for businesses adopting renewable energy sources.
In essence, Australia Post’s solar initiative serves as a model for other organisations, showing that a commitment to renewable energy can lead to environmental benefits, financial savings, and a strengthened public image. As more businesses follow suit, the collective impact on climate change and sustainability can be significant.
In essence, Australia Post’s solar initiative serves as a model for other organisations, showing that a commitment to renewable energy can lead to environmental benefits, financial savings, and a strengthened public image. As more businesses follow suit, the collective impact on climate change and sustainability can be significant.
Considering a commercial–scale solar project? Contact us today, and we can begin to build your system together.
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