Armidale based The Ascent Group (TAG) is now virtually self sufficient in water, expecting to save up to two million litres a year for the next ten years through stormwater harvesting at its Acacia Park site.
CEO Kevin Mead said the key to the success of the project had been a $33,783 grant from the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund Community Savers program to install two water tanks.
Together they have a capacity of almost 100,000 litres and will be used to store water from the building’s huge roof to supply water for the garden, fleet cleaning and toilet flushing.
The organisation uses 500 mega litres annually to run its recycling, printing, document shredding and other business operations at Acacia Park where 35 people with disabilities and 20 other staff are currently employed.
“This will not only supplement the town water supply, but also reduce the flow of stormwater from the premises into the city’s drainage system,” Mr Mead said.
“As an organisation we have always tried to focus on the triple bottom line to be sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.
“This new system is another great step forward and we are very grateful for the state funding that has literally made the water flow at Acacia Park.”
Mr Mead said TAG had incorporated solar passive design principles, solar hot water, solar electricity generation, water harvesting and a water wise garden at its new community home Walker House for five people living with disability who have high care needs. The garden was designed by celebrity gardener Brendan Moar and built by the Rotary Club of Armidale.
As a member of the State Government’s Sustainability Advantage program, The Ascent Group, along with thirteen other local and regional businesses and organisations, including Armidale Dumaresq Council, UNE and Phoenix Foundry, is working co-operatively to ensure the sustainability of the region, he said.
