Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) proudly announces the opening of 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 which 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 City’s initiative.  

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES  

• A 110 kilowatt solar photovoltaic electrical system has been installed to provide solar as the primary power source for the operation.
• The grid-connected system is comprised of 670 solar panels and is capable of generating 148 megawatt hours of clean solar electricity each year.
• Water saving initiatives include large rainwater harvesting tanks – the water is used for truck washing, toilets and landscaping.
• Solar hot water.
• Energy efficient lighting is installed throughout the structure with an emphasis on utilising natural light where possible.
• Insulation and natural ventilation were considered in the building process.
• Low-chemical adhesives and sealants were used.
• CCA’s upgrade of its logistics system involving its Eastern Creek and Northmead distribution centres has resulted in the removal of 26,000 large truck movements from Sydney’s roads every year
• The logistics system upgrade has also resulted in fewer forklifts - saving 225,000 litres of fuel and 130 tonnes of LPG, resulting in further reductions in GHG emissions.
• In total, CCA’s energy and fuel savings at its Eastern Creek distribution centre will result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 1000 tonnes per annum.  

Warwick White, CCA’s Managing Director, Australia says Coca-Cola Amatil, as one of Australia’s largest beverage and food manufacturers, has invested significantly in water and energy saving technology to achieve environmental leadership in the beverage industry.

"We believe that we have set a new standard for industrial buildings in Australia with our new Eastern Creek distribution centre," White says.

"It not only includes innovative new renewable energy systems and ecologically sustainable development principles, but importantly for our business, it is delivering significant commercial efficiencies and better service to our customers.”  

Roger Price, Chief Government Whip and Member for Chifley adds that he believes this program is bringing together industry, business and communities to investigate how we can better manage energy now and into the future.

"The partnership between Blacktown Solar City and Coca-Cola Amatil to install an 857 square metre PV system is a great example of this.”  

Jody McGann, Project Manager BP Solar Cities agrees. “This project was assisted by the Blacktown Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s Solar City’s initiative," she says.

"We congratulate Coca-Cola Amatil and Goodman International for taking the initiative to install a solar power system which ensures that the facility will use this as its primary power source.”

According to Tony Stocken, BP Solar’s Large Commercial Project Manager for Australasia, BP is proud to have been given the opportunity to partner with CCA for this truly exciting project.

"To date this is one of the most significant solar roof-top installations of its kind in Australia and its sheer size reveals the enthusiasm that can be sparked in the business community when the right mindset and the right incentives to invest converge," Stocken says.

"This project exemplifies how vacant roof space can be turned into a future-proof and environmentally responsible investment.

"CCA should be wholeheartedly congratulated for this important step towards minimising their impact on the environment.”