Award-winning Gourmet Australian macadamia producer, Brookfarm, are industry leaders in sustainability.
Tuesday 6 October 2015, 2:04PM
By Media PA
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In every core of its business Brookfarm is totally committed to environmental sustainability.
Due to their unwavering commitment to sustainability, at Brookfarm’s Byron Bay bakehouse they have installed 288 solar panels which will decrease their carbon footprint and environmental impact by generating their own clean energy, naturally powering the production factory, offices and cool rooms.
The installation is the largest of its kind in the Northern Rivers and is part of the company’s goal of dramatically cutting its carbon footprint.
Brookfarm operations manager, Will Brook (pictured), estimates at least a 40% annual energy saving and the system will have paid for itself within four years. At present the solar panels produce enough energy to power 25 homes using 25kW hours of electricity a day.
Will Brook commented: “Since installation the system has been producing around 500 kilowatts a day and this will increase as the days get longer to peak on December 21. On average we require around 610 kilowatts of energy per day. However, on sunny days the solar panels produce enough energy for us to be completely independent of the grid.”
The Sunpower E20/327 solar panels are accepted as the world’s most efficient panel and are angled to make the most of both the morning and afternoon sun. Even on an overcast day, the panels are estimated to contribute to 40% of the factory’s energy requirements.
In March, Brookfarm received Silver Recognition under the New South Wales State Government’s Sustainability Advantage programme. This makes Brookfarm one of only 71 businesses in New South Wales to have achieved this level of recognition. Brookfarm was recognised for improving their competitiveness and bottom line through better environmental practices.
Brookfarm has also been announced as finalist in the Green Globe Awards.
To date Brookfarm has planted more than 35,000 subtropical rainforest and Eucalypt trees on the property. Brookfarm also employs biological crop maintenance systems such as the annual release of 40,000 Trichogramma wasps to subdue and defeat the damaging Macadamia Nut Borer.
The Brookfarm factory was built five years ago with a roof capture system to collect rainwater that in turn waters the trees surrounding the bakehouse. The roof was also designed to support solar panels.
Will Brook commented: “We originally designed the roof to support solar panels and we have been waiting for the technology to catch up, so today it is now a commercially viable option to solar power our production facility.” The building was also designed to include cool room paneling in the walls, which externally insulates the building and internally reflects white light to minimise internal lighting needs.
Brookfarm is Australia’s leading producer of gourmet macadamia products, the Brook family’s award -winning range of muesli’s, granolas, bars and trail mixes is sold throughout Australia and New Zealand and is exported to 12 overseas countries, including the USA. Brookfarm is also a past National winner of the Telstra Business of the Year awards.
Brookfarm are currently working towards Gold recognition and are continually looking at all aspects of their business to improve their environmental impact.
If anyone can appreciate sustainability it’s New Zealanders with their clean green image. The Brookfarm delicious range of products are available throughout New Zealand in New World, Pak n’ Save, gourmet delis and health food stores.
Contact Brookfarm:
Head office: Brookfarm, 14B Banksia Drive, Byron Bay, NSW 2481
Tel: +61 2 6620 9500
Fax: +61 2 6620 9599
Email: info@brookfarm.com.au
Postal Address: PO Box 194, Bangalow NSW 2479
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