Coca-Cola Amatil opens new distribution centre with help of solar power
Coca-Cola Amatil today opened its new distribution centre at Eastern Creek in New South Wales, which is partially powered by almost 700 solar panels.
The $1.2 million 110 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system will generate 148 megawatt hours of clean renewable energy every year, translating into a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 148 tonnes annually and providing more than 15% of the distribution centre’s energy needs, the manufacturer advised.
Other environmentally sustainable features of the distribution centre include energy-saving lighting controls, which will save up to 577 tonnes of GHG emissions every year, and water tanks which will harvest 240,000 litres of rainwater.
CCA’s $85 million distribution centre has been submitted for a green-star rating with the Green Building Council of Australia.
Warwick White, CCA’s Managing Director, Australia said the ‘greener’ distribution centre was also likely to provide bottom-line improvements for the firm.
“Coca-Cola Amatil, as one of Australia’s largest beverage and food manufacturers, has invested significantly in water and energy saving technology to achieve environmental leadership in the beverage industry and we believe that we have set a new standard for industrial buildings in Australia with our new Eastern Creek distribution centre,” he said. “It not only includes innovative new renewable energy systems and ecologically sustainable development principles, but importantly for our business, it is delivering significant commercial efficiencies and better service to our customers.”
Roger Price, Chief Government Whip and Member for Chifley, said the installation of the solar panels was a welcome move, and something the government was looking to encourage.
“This program is bringing together industry, business and communities to investigate how we can better manage energy now and into the future. The partnership between Blacktown Solar City and Coca-Cola Amatil to install an 857 square metre PV system is a great example of this,” he said.
