G512 - A.E. Preston & Co Ltd - Butcher - Wellington Region

Summary
The Porirua branch of this business saved $2500 over three months in water charges by:

• changing habits, such as turning taps off;
• changing processes, such as mopping floors instead of hosing them down;
• using water valves and guns to stop the water flow automatically A major saving was made by detecting and fixing a leak. The business has also made energy efficiency gains by installing new equipment and reusing hot water.

Business Profile
Wholesale butcher, with processing units in Palmerston North, Porirua and Wellington City, and associated retail shops in Porirua and Wellington.

Type of Project
Energy efficiency, material reuse and recycling, and reduction in water use.

Reasons for Project
To improve energy efficiency and reduce resource use and wastes.

The Project

Energy
The business produces its hot water using a gas-fired boiler. The boiler supplies the vats used for cooking meats. This hot water is now reused for cleaning the processing area. A new display cabinet for frozen foods has been installed. This is more efficient and more reliable than the previous freezer. Fridges and freezers are covered overnight, to conserve cold air and save on electricity use. Reuse of hot water saves on both the use of gas, a non-renewable resource, and water. Electricity is being used more efficiently.

Water
Water use is metered and charged for. The business identified the following issues:

• developing changes in habits, such as turning taps off;
• changing processes, such as mopping floors instead of hosing them down;
• using equipment such as water valves and guns to stop the water flow automatically;
• realising that health and safety practices are important, such as preventing wet floors in the morning.

Over three months, $2500 was saved in water charges.

For additional information contact:

Allan Johnson A E Preston & Co Ltd cnr Hopper & Arlington Streets Wellington Phone: (04) 385 6118 Fax: (04) 385 7100

Fred Blackman A E Preston & Co Ltd 17 Prosser Street Porirua Phone: (04) 237 7313 Fax: (04) 237 9963