Tamor Roses hosted the most recent Energy and Water Efficiency workshop for the nursery, flower and horticulture industries on 28 June, 2017.
Tamor Roses produces an enormous amount of highly sought-after spray roses to the local market in the Lockyer valley and Toowoomba. Derek is an innovative and resilient grower having watched his farm go under in the 2011 floods and bouncing back stronger than ever.
In 2012 the decision was made to move down the energy efficiency path with the installation of a set of photovoltaic solar panels to offset the farms power usage. In 2015 the farm further harnessed the suns power installing a set of solar thermal evacuated tubes to help heat the greenhouses. This commitment to resilience and sustainability was recognised recently when Derek and Tamor Roses were awarded the Lockyer Valley Sustainable Producer Award, after 3 years in a row as runner up and made the farm the perfect location.
The presentations (see below) and site tour provided case studies on energy and water efficiency and the importance of considering both together.
Video Case Studies
See how Aspley Nursery installed a solar hot water system, replaced some fluorescent lights with LEDs and replaced their main irrigation pump with a smaller variable speed pump leading to a 28% energy saving on their usage.
Presentations
Below is a link to the presentations including energy and irrigation efficiency case studies, an energy technology showcase, and options to finance efficiency projects.
Lex McMullin talked about strategies to ensure you put the right amount of water on the crop at the right time, starting with how to work out the optimum amount of water to apply and when.
Kathleen explained some of the simple but effective findings that have been gained out of the Water Efficiency Audits that have been conducted as part of the RWUE project.
Andrew spoke about Greenland Systems and their Solar Thermal equipment, system control and thermal energy storage solutions and how they can help businesses obtain lower operating costs & sustainability outcomes.
Alina explained the how Verdia can provide independent specialist expertise with a multi-technology focus to help businesses reduce energy costs and take control of the way they manage energy.
Rebecca talked about some easy-wins and case studies from the Energy Savers Program, including how to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Glen Kolpak talked about Energex’s incentives to reduce demand and improve power factor, including rebates of up to $185/kW demand reduced and $41/kVAr in selected areas.
Energy Savers Finance Fact Sheet
See the QFF Energy Savers Financing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fact Sheet HERE.