Time For a Change of Environment
Its great here - pretty well smog free - but we want to do our bit! - Alpine Resort Motel has started to look at our carbon footprint and is rolling out an energy efficient medium - term plan
Well , check out this page, and dont forget, the manager is happy to explain what we are doing environmentally.
24th December2009, we have fitted a 10 kw system, solar roof mounted , from Auzion solar in Queensland.
Solar Policy - Power Management : Size of heaters, rating of washing machines, fridges , televisions, toasters, jugs, microwaves, lighting etc. Any significant savings by reducing wattage( for same performance ) need to be offset against capital costs of acquiring those pieces of equipment, and look at lifespan of these products with a view towards the amount of energy needed to produce the newer items as well.
Also look at the efficiency of infloor heating and whether to can it altogether or use it for less time during the night. Or replace it with heat pump system.
Also schedule the reading of the meters more regularly or try and install remote or "from the office" readouts to better monitor the electicity usage overall, daily , then weekly. Alternative is to buy a cent-o-meter or equivalent Wattson Power Meter. Now leaning towards Auzion Solar for an AuziMax monitoring system.
Windows. - look at measuring the temperature of the windows, then research whether to double glaze, or coat the windows, with a film for insulation.
Solar Panels - look at doubling the capacity from 10 kw to 20- 30 kw by 2020, to say 60% of electricity usage. Also look at providing on-site electric vehicle charging points for our customers.
Water: Usage : install flow control into all rooms, including spa baths that is , all deluxe rooms.
Lighting : Solar garden lights, less wattage hallway lights as a short term (50watts down to 35 or maybe 20), replace all incandescent lights completed February 2009.
Company vehicle - change to electric vehicle (EV) or hydrogen fuel cell. Time line : aiming at 2012 for this - updated : maybe looking at keeping the old car, plus buy a new electric Nissan Leaf, or a tesla S model if I can get either..
Timeline for Energy plan: late 2009, through 2012. We are a 3.5 diamond rated motel, 18 deluxe rooms with spa baths and 11 x 2 star rooms with ensuites.
Recycling - Planning underway.
Rainwater - Plan a couple of rainwater tanks mainly for gardens as a beginning.
