This will substantially reduce Uniting AgeWell’s greenhouse footprint and also result in financial savings, says Glenn Cottee, General Manager Infrastructure.
Glenn says solar panels have already been installed at Manningtree Hawthorn and Hawthorn Community, but have not yet been activated.
During the 2023/24 financial year they are also due to be installed at the communities of Noble Park, Box Hill, Kingsville, Preston and Strath-Haven in Bendigo.
“The program will roll out over a number of years,” explains Glenn. “It is exciting to know we will reduce our energy footprint.” Solar panels are able to shave off about a third of a site’s power bill.
The solar panels used in these projects have been manufactured in Singapore and are consistent with Uniting AgeWell’s commitment to ethical procurement.
Sustainability is one of Uniting AgeWell’s five strategic priorities – and this encompasses not only financial sustainability, but also environmental awareness and actively reducing our carbon footprint.