Cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainability, carpet tile manufacturer Interface announced it has switched to sourcing 100 per cent green electricity for its manufacturing operation in Sydney.
The switch was made through Interface’s partnership with Energy Action, specialists in commercial energy procurement who also carried out an extensive on-site audit to identify potential efficiencies and savings.
Australian Interface CEO, Clinton Squires said the switch to renewable energy was rare for an Australian manufacturer.
“I’m not aware of any Australian manufacturers who have invested in green energy as we have at Interface," he said. "For Interface, the switch to renewable power is a must and a crucial part of our Mission Zero commitment to have no net impact on the environment by 2020.
“Mission Zero is a fundamental expression of Interface’s values."
Squires said while he hoped other local manufacturers would follow the company’s lead, he recognised that the recent policy environment in Australia meant green energy can be a costly option, unless there are significant reductions in energy demand.
Before investing in green energy certificates, Interface made a concerted effort to become more energy efficient and reduce its energy consumption per metre square of carpet manufactured.
“We made a number of sweeping changes at our manufacturing facility," Squires said.
"One simple program was the replacement of aging skylights which had lost much of their transparency, enabling us to cut down on lighting during daylight hours. This alone reduced our energy use by 20 per cent.
“Energy Action identified a number of further measures to significantly reduce our energy usage, particularly with lighting, and they are providing us with ongoing support through energy monitoring and reporting data.”
After investing in renewables, Interface is now well on track to achieving its goal of Mission Zero.
“As a manufacturer, Mission Zero has been a monumental undertaking. Yet the goal is in sight. I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve,” Squires said
“Switching to renewable energy sources is just one of seven steps we’ve identified on the pathway to Mission Zero. Other steps also recently completed include Zero Waste and closed loop manufacturing processes."
The new Sydney factory has had a zero waste to landfill program since it opened in 2014. And to ‘close the loop,’ Interface is building a ReEntry facility at its Sydney plant.
This will accelerate the recycling and reuse of old carpet tiles, complementing product design efforts that ensure used carpet tiles can be readily be deconstructed after use and repurposed.
Australia's Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) provides tips for the manufacturing industry on how to improve energy efficiency.
Tips include optimising existing equipment through proactive maintenance and reduced heat loss, equipment upgrades and implementing effective shutdown procedures.
More detailed information is available on the EEC web site at eex.gov.au