By Grant Shepherd
Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) reinforced its position as an environmentally-friendly company yesterday when it opened its new distribution centre at Eastern Creek.
With nearly 700 solar panels on its roof, the building will run on 15 to 20 per cent renewable energy.
To help kick off the proceedings and officially cut the ribbon was CCA’s managing director, Warwick White, who was very proud to open such a remarkable facility.
“Just take a look at the development we have here, it’s hard to believe just 18 months ago this business hub was empty,” he said.
“This centre is truly something we can be proud of, so many people are responsible for this success and everyone has put in an outstanding effort.”
The $1.2 million, 110 kilowatt photovoltaic system will reportedly generate 148 megawatt hours of clean renewable energy every year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 148 tonnes annually.
White emphasised that the solar panels are not the only environmentally-friendly aspect of the new centre.
“We have turned six facilities into two, therefore this has dramatically cut transport costs and reduced our truck movements by 26,000 trips a year, there are also fewer forklifts, which will save 225,000 litres of fuel and 130 tonnes of LPG,” he said.
“We also have many water saving initiatives in place like solar hot water, energy efficient lighting, insulation, natural ventilation and low chemical adhesives and sealants were used in the building process.”
Also on-hand at the opening was Roger Price, Chief Government Whip and Member for Chifley, who was very impressed with the company’s commitment to the environment.
“Climate change is a major issue facing the world, and it is pleasing to see a major blue chip company like CCA is at the forefront of this issue,” he said.
“This impressive facility is proof of how businesses can tackle climate change.”
The new facility is located at 9 Roussell Road, Eastern Creek and is in the M7 Business Hub.
According to White, the two large rainwater tanks at the front of the site will soon be painted to resemble large Coca-Cola cans.