Coca-Cola Amatil’s distribution centre in Eastern Creek

Partly powered by solar energy

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has opened its new distribution centre at Eastern Creek, which is partly powered by nearly 700 solar panels on its roof.

The $1.2 million 110-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system will generate 148 megawatt hours of clean renewable energy every year, translating into a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 148 tonnes annually and providing more than 15% of the distribution centre’s energy needs.

Other environmentally sustainable features of the distribution centre include energy-saving lighting controls, which will save up to 577 tonnes of GHG emissions every year, and water tanks that will harvest 240,000 litres of rainwater.

CCA’s $85 million distribution centre has been submitted for a green-star rating with the Green Building Council of Australia. The distribution centre has adhered to strict environmental standards throughout its construction process and has implemented a number of measures that will translate into significant energy savings throughout the centre’s operational life and will help to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

CCA’s Eastern Creek distribution centre has been built in partnership with developers Goodman International and the solar facility has been part-funded by the Blacktown Solar City project, a constituent of the Australian government’s Solar Cities initiative.