By Jing Yeo Wan
Published December 2024
Patrons of Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) will not be the only ones soaking up the sun by the river this summer, with rooftop solar panels installed in November.
The panels are part of Artemus Group’s plan to reduce emissions at HSW by 44% by June 2026, compared to 2022 levels.
Origin Zero, collaborating with Artemus Group, proposed the 179kW rooftop solar, along with an adjustment of the power supply systems to enhance efficiency, to achieve immediate supply-side emissions savings of 7.2% across the precinct.
Luke Fraser, CEO of Artemus Group, said: “We have the goal of becoming the most sustainable precinct in the world and we’re proud to continue to partner with industry leaders who are supporting us to achieve our goal.”
Origin Zero has conducted a full energy audit and carbon assessment and found electricity corresponded to 69% of HSW’s energy consumption but 90% of its emissions due to the high emissions factor of the Queensland electricity grid.
The decarbonisation of the grid with the phase-out of coal power plants in the future is expected to reduce 25% of emissions for the precinct.
“Our next step is to establish a plan to replace our gas appliances, obtain designs for chilled water heat recovery, and buy the green power we need – as well as implementing some other changes the audit identified that we can make for smaller gains, like optimising fans in the car park,” Mr Fraser said.
