Award-winning gin outfit Four Pillars has installed a 65.88kW solar system on the roof of its Healesville distillery. It is expected to save the business $12,800 a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 1600 tonnes over the life of the project.
The system was financed through an Environmental Upgrade Agreement, a form of government-enabled finance for upgrade works that improve a building’s environmental performance. Funding was provided by Sustainable Australia Fund.
Sustainable Australia Fund CEO Scott Bocskay said the finance is hugely beneficial for businesses as it covers 100 per cent of the cost for energy efficiency upgrades without requiring any upfront capital.
“It puts cash back in the pockets of the business owners. With terms of up to 20 years and low interest rates, the repayments are so low that the business is often making money from their upgrades from the very first year,” said Bocskay.
Four Pillars was established in 2013 by co-founders Cameron McKenzie, Matt Jones and Stuart Gregor. What started with a single copper still has now grown to become a household name and the team have won International Gin Producer of the Year for two years running.
Co-Founder Cameron McKenzie said the new solar system isn't just about the cost savings. The system heralds the start of a more sustainable future for the business.
Four Pillars has announced a $6 million expansion of the distillery with sustainable design firm Breathe Architecture. They plan to incorporate more solar power and other waste reduction initiatives in the new gin hub.
“If there’s an option anywhere in the business to be more sustainable, we’ll always try. This goes for power, water, waste, recycling. We can always improve in these areas, so when it’s made very easy like our solar system, it becomes a no-brainer.”
