Undertaking an energy upgrade to replace over 200 light fittings and install a solar power system, Calcoup Knitwear achieved significant energy savings for their warehouse, office and plant areas.
Calcoup Knitwear is one of Australia’s top providers for school and corporate wear, operating for around 30 years. Previously they were using older style non-energy efficient lighting throughout their large warehouse, office and manufacturing areas that contributed to higher than necessary energy and maintenance costs.
Working with the Australian Business Chamber, Calcoup recognised the opportunity for energy savings and engaged Ecovantage to undertake a lighting and solar upgrade.
Ecovantage partnered with Calcoup Knitwear, the Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP) and Australian Solar Designs (ASD) to provide a lighting and solar upgrade.
The result was an LED upgrade to the lighting in warehouse, plant areas and office, as well as installation of an 18.81kW solar system.
Given the scale and multiple activities undertaken, Ecovantage claimed the project under three government rebate initiatives.
NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) – commercial lighting
NSW Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit (HEER) – small business lighting
RET (STC) for solar installation
The rebates significantly reduced the out of pocket expense for Calcoup, saving over $8,000. These rebates paired with large savings in energy usage and maintenance costs as a result of the upgrade, considerably reduced the payback period. Reliance on grid energy was cut in half, and the business’ annual carbon emissions were reduced by 19 tonnes.
In addition to the benefits from lowering energy use and replacing much of the generation, the workplace lighting quality was improved with all panels, battens and highbays rating above 85 on the colour rendering index (CRI), benefitting all members of the Calcoup Knitwear team.
Victoria
New South Wales
South Australia
Queensland