A number of initiatives were recommended including replacing 400W mercury vapour high bay lights with 150W equivalents, adding insulation to hot water piping and the addition of a 30kW solar PV system. In total the measures will save nearly $11,000 per year with a payback period of 5.5 years and carbon reductions of 37.5 t CO2-e per annum.
The nursery is located in Cabarlah, north of Toowoomba, and cultivates small to medium plants, shrubs and trees for residential and commercial developments. The irrigation method depends on the type of plant and varies between drip irrigation and small travelling irrigators. Water is generally sourced from the town mains supply, with irrigation run for two hours per day and continuing year around.
The owner acknowledged the initiatives identified were appropriate for the nursery. However, operations were consolidated to a Brisbane site and they would cease to operate from the Cabarlah location.