2003 savewater! award winners
Efficiency In Business
Smorgon Steel - Manufacturing
Following on from award winning water conservation projects in 2000/2001, Smorgon Steel is continuing to strive ahead in pursuing and implementing further water saving initiatives. This has resulted in significant reductions in volumes of water used as well as the amount of fresh water discharged to trade waste.
“We are proud of our water conservation achievements over the past two years,” said Sandro Costabile – Smorgon Steel Environment Manager.
“However, we believe that we must do more to continue to protect our most precious natural resource. Smorgon Steel is committed to this process,” he added.
Monash University - Retail and Service Providers
Numerous projects have been undertaken at the Monash University’s Clayton Campus to minimise mains water usage, including the installation of three 45,000 litre rainwater tanks to utilise stormwater and recycle irrigation runoff to water their oval. Other initiatives include the collection of swimming pool filter backwash for onsite treatment and recycling as toilet flush, and the installation of Micromet automated irrigation system to optimise garden and lawn irrigation (this includes automatic shutdown if rainfall occurs during watering). They also completed the implementation of Yarra Valley Water’s water efficiency service, including the installation of 2000 flow control valves.
“These projects conservatively are set to save more than 72,370 kilolitres per year of water, or about 16 percent of the University’s current water usage, representing a staggering $84,000 saving in water delivery and disposal costs,” said Michelle Giovas, Environmental Advisor and Chairperson of the Monash Water Conservation Committee.
Following on from award winning water conservation projects in 2000/2001, Smorgon Steel is continuing to strive ahead in pursuing and implementing further water saving initiatives. This has resulted in significant reductions in volumes of water used as well as the amount of fresh water discharged to trade waste.
“We are proud of our water conservation achievements over the past two years,” said Sandro Costabile – Smorgon Steel Environment Manager.
“However, we believe that we must do more to continue to protect our most precious natural resource. Smorgon Steel is committed to this process,” he added.
Monash University - Retail and Service Providers
Numerous projects have been undertaken at the Monash University’s Clayton Campus to minimise mains water usage, including the installation of three 45,000 litre rainwater tanks to utilise stormwater and recycle irrigation runoff to water their oval. Other initiatives include the collection of swimming pool filter backwash for onsite treatment and recycling as toilet flush, and the installation of Micromet automated irrigation system to optimise garden and lawn irrigation (this includes automatic shutdown if rainfall occurs during watering). They also completed the implementation of Yarra Valley Water’s water efficiency service, including the installation of 2000 flow control valves.
“These projects conservatively are set to save more than 72,370 kilolitres per year of water, or about 16 percent of the University’s current water usage, representing a staggering $84,000 saving in water delivery and disposal costs,” said Michelle Giovas, Environmental Advisor and Chairperson of the Monash Water Conservation Committee.
Efficiency in Government
City of Boroondara - Local Government
In 2002, City of Boroondara’s water management was considerably strengthened in response to the drought conditions by forming a partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). One of only 20 councils Australia-wide to commit to the program, Council has joined ICLEI’s The Water Campaign aiming to reduce water consumption and improve water quality discharges.
Parks and gardens services consume 66.5 percent of Council’s total water use, so forms a key focus for conservation initiatives such as improved irrigation efficiency and the use of drought tolerant plants.
Swimming pools accounted for a further 22 percent of water use. Water audits were completed in all four pool and leisure centres as well as the Camberwell market. This has identified significant future savings by installing a series of flow control valves on site. The pool audits identified an annual saving of 20,655 kilolitres (kl) and cost savings of $53,299 per year, and the Market to save 1,433 kl and cost savings of $2,706 per year.
“As well as addressing Council’s own consumption, we recognise our responsibility to keep the community informed on water conservation issues and ensure that a constant flow of information through our website, publications and local press provides advice on saving water and reducing waste,” said Mayor Cr. Meredith Butler.
Western Water - Government Agency or Department
Two years ago, Western Water set the target of achieving 100 percent recycling of all waste water by 2006. Western Water currently recycles approximately 70 percent of all water. During 2002, Western Water commissioned the Sunbury Melton Recycled Water Project, a project that recycles household waste water as a means of providing a guaranteed, alternative, long term water supply. The Sunbury Melton Recycled Water pipeline has provided a reliable, quality controlled recycled water supply to agribusiness, municipal and recreational users in the Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Rockbank and Melton regions.
During 2002, the project contributed to substantial savings in fresh water, from substitution with recycled water totalling approximately 150 megalitres.
“The main initiative was to adopt a more holistic approach to the management of the water cycle,” said Western Water Chief Executive, John Wilkinson. “We aimed to ‘close the loop’ by optimising the use of water resources. Across our region we have converted most golf courses to recycled water and replicated these success stories to such areas as lawn bowls, recreation reserves and street trees,” he said.
In 2002, City of Boroondara’s water management was considerably strengthened in response to the drought conditions by forming a partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). One of only 20 councils Australia-wide to commit to the program, Council has joined ICLEI’s The Water Campaign aiming to reduce water consumption and improve water quality discharges.
Parks and gardens services consume 66.5 percent of Council’s total water use, so forms a key focus for conservation initiatives such as improved irrigation efficiency and the use of drought tolerant plants.
Swimming pools accounted for a further 22 percent of water use. Water audits were completed in all four pool and leisure centres as well as the Camberwell market. This has identified significant future savings by installing a series of flow control valves on site. The pool audits identified an annual saving of 20,655 kilolitres (kl) and cost savings of $53,299 per year, and the Market to save 1,433 kl and cost savings of $2,706 per year.
“As well as addressing Council’s own consumption, we recognise our responsibility to keep the community informed on water conservation issues and ensure that a constant flow of information through our website, publications and local press provides advice on saving water and reducing waste,” said Mayor Cr. Meredith Butler.
Western Water - Government Agency or Department
Two years ago, Western Water set the target of achieving 100 percent recycling of all waste water by 2006. Western Water currently recycles approximately 70 percent of all water. During 2002, Western Water commissioned the Sunbury Melton Recycled Water Project, a project that recycles household waste water as a means of providing a guaranteed, alternative, long term water supply. The Sunbury Melton Recycled Water pipeline has provided a reliable, quality controlled recycled water supply to agribusiness, municipal and recreational users in the Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Rockbank and Melton regions.
During 2002, the project contributed to substantial savings in fresh water, from substitution with recycled water totalling approximately 150 megalitres.
“The main initiative was to adopt a more holistic approach to the management of the water cycle,” said Western Water Chief Executive, John Wilkinson. “We aimed to ‘close the loop’ by optimising the use of water resources. Across our region we have converted most golf courses to recycled water and replicated these success stories to such areas as lawn bowls, recreation reserves and street trees,” he said.
Regional Sustainability
SPC Ardmona - Business
Australian owned SPC Ardmona Operation Limited’s product range includes pears, peaches, apricots, plums, apples, baked beans, spaghetti and tomatoes. Last year alone the Shepparton facility saved 550 megalitres of fresh water, a 30 percent reduction from 2000. This is the equivalent to the supply of water to 2150 homes for an entire year (based on average four person household). These savings have been achieved largely through an extensive education program focused on behaviour change, in addition to capital investment projects and improved maintenance programs.
“Our water reduction program was developed in accordance with the waste hierarchy where preference is to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Managing Director, Mr Nigel Garrard.
“We have focused on improvements to equipment design and operator techniques.”
“The greatest impact has been made through behaviour change, by simply changing the way we do things. With over 600 permanent staff and up to 3,500 seasonal staff, the impact has been significant (70 percent of water saved during 2002 was associated with cultural change),” said Mr Garrard.
SPC Ardmona also won the Education and Communication category and the Premiers Award for Contribution to Water Sustainability
Automated Water Management Australia - Agriculture
AWMA has developed and produced the Aquator automated irrigation system for flood irrigators. This is the first time that a personal computer and radio telemetry have been combined to provide an irrigation management system that effectively replaces the imprecision of manual irrigation pactices, generating water savings of up to 40 percent.
“A minimum water saving of 27,000 megalitres could be retained by converting the Goulburn Murray flood irrigation area in Northern Victoria to Aquator automation alone,” said Brett Kelly, director AWMA.
Mr Kelly said data extracted from over 60 farms in Victoria and New South Wales with more than 3000 automated points installed has already shown an average 10 percent reduction in water usage – equating to thousands of megalitres saved annually.
“Correct irrigation requires outlets to be opened and closed one to two hours apart, with an efficiency of up to 80 percent, however this was unsustainable or unobtainable for most farmers until we developed the system, “ Mr Kelly said.
“Aquator allows farmers to irrigate in an efficient way, as well as monitor water levels in channels for leakage. It improves water usage, productivity, crop production, time management and ultimately a better lifestyle for farmers,” Mr Kelly said.
Australian owned SPC Ardmona Operation Limited’s product range includes pears, peaches, apricots, plums, apples, baked beans, spaghetti and tomatoes. Last year alone the Shepparton facility saved 550 megalitres of fresh water, a 30 percent reduction from 2000. This is the equivalent to the supply of water to 2150 homes for an entire year (based on average four person household). These savings have been achieved largely through an extensive education program focused on behaviour change, in addition to capital investment projects and improved maintenance programs.
“Our water reduction program was developed in accordance with the waste hierarchy where preference is to avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Managing Director, Mr Nigel Garrard.
“We have focused on improvements to equipment design and operator techniques.”
“The greatest impact has been made through behaviour change, by simply changing the way we do things. With over 600 permanent staff and up to 3,500 seasonal staff, the impact has been significant (70 percent of water saved during 2002 was associated with cultural change),” said Mr Garrard.
SPC Ardmona also won the Education and Communication category and the Premiers Award for Contribution to Water Sustainability
Automated Water Management Australia - Agriculture
AWMA has developed and produced the Aquator automated irrigation system for flood irrigators. This is the first time that a personal computer and radio telemetry have been combined to provide an irrigation management system that effectively replaces the imprecision of manual irrigation pactices, generating water savings of up to 40 percent.
“A minimum water saving of 27,000 megalitres could be retained by converting the Goulburn Murray flood irrigation area in Northern Victoria to Aquator automation alone,” said Brett Kelly, director AWMA.
Mr Kelly said data extracted from over 60 farms in Victoria and New South Wales with more than 3000 automated points installed has already shown an average 10 percent reduction in water usage – equating to thousands of megalitres saved annually.
“Correct irrigation requires outlets to be opened and closed one to two hours apart, with an efficiency of up to 80 percent, however this was unsustainable or unobtainable for most farmers until we developed the system, “ Mr Kelly said.
“Aquator allows farmers to irrigate in an efficient way, as well as monitor water levels in channels for leakage. It improves water usage, productivity, crop production, time management and ultimately a better lifestyle for farmers,” Mr Kelly said.
Education and Communication Programs
SPC Ardmona
See the Regional Sustainability section above.
See the Regional Sustainability section above.
Sustainable Built Environment
Williams Boag
Williams Boag - Architects, in a combined effort, have contributed to the success of the Inkerman Oasis Housing Development. The development sets new standards in sustainable urban and ecological design practices.
The development continuously recycles bathroom-sourced wastewater (greywater) from showers and basins and first flush stormwater is collected from the majority of the site. Consisting of 236 apartments over six buildings, the recycling system saves approximately 45 percent of the fresh water normally required of a development this size during summer.
“By reusing wastewater and capturing stormwater, future developments move closer toward sustainability,” said Director, Mr Peter Williams.
“The Inkerman Development tests previous boundaries where site constraints and approval conditions are concerned,” he said.
Williams Boag - Architects, in a combined effort, have contributed to the success of the Inkerman Oasis Housing Development. The development sets new standards in sustainable urban and ecological design practices.
The development continuously recycles bathroom-sourced wastewater (greywater) from showers and basins and first flush stormwater is collected from the majority of the site. Consisting of 236 apartments over six buildings, the recycling system saves approximately 45 percent of the fresh water normally required of a development this size during summer.
“By reusing wastewater and capturing stormwater, future developments move closer toward sustainability,” said Director, Mr Peter Williams.
“The Inkerman Development tests previous boundaries where site constraints and approval conditions are concerned,” he said.
The Sustainable Garden
Greenhills Propagation Nursery - Retail Campaign for Water Saving Plants
Greenhills is well known for introducing many new plant varieties to the Australian nursery industry, and for its extensive range of colour labels marketed under the Touch of Class Plants brand.
The Water Miser campaign was recently initiated, recognising the need for a simple, intuitive and effective system to inform gardeners of the relative water needs of plants. Through the use of eye-catching colour labels and a scale of droplets, the consumer can quickly ascertain the level of soil moisture required to maintain a particular plant in a healthy condition, and so decide whether that plant is appropriate for their particular gardening environment.
“With the rising concerns over decreasing water resources the nursery industry was in urgent need of an initiative like this,” said Robert Harrison, owner and manager of Greenhills Propagation Nursery.
“We believe Water Miser is essential, empowering gardeners and landscapers to garden in such a way that protects our environment and preserves our precious water resources,” he said.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Garden Design / Construction
Royal Botanic Gardens takes a leading role in educating both professional and home horticulturalists about low water use gardening and effective irrigation management. Their Water Conservation Garden is a living example of the use of drought adapted plants. The garden outlines design principles like plant selection and maintenance techniques to reduce water use. On average, the garden requires only 50 percent of the water normally applied to garden beds.
Water conservation in the Gardens has been dramatically improved through staff development and changes to irrigation practices. More effective use of rainfall and the changing of turf types have resulted in significant water savings.
“The Water Conservation Garden is one of the more popular plant collections in the Royal Botanic Gardens,” said Divisional Director – Melbourne Gardens, Mr Richard Barley. “Visitors can often be seen taking notes for application in their own gardens,” said Mr Barley.
Greenhills is well known for introducing many new plant varieties to the Australian nursery industry, and for its extensive range of colour labels marketed under the Touch of Class Plants brand.
The Water Miser campaign was recently initiated, recognising the need for a simple, intuitive and effective system to inform gardeners of the relative water needs of plants. Through the use of eye-catching colour labels and a scale of droplets, the consumer can quickly ascertain the level of soil moisture required to maintain a particular plant in a healthy condition, and so decide whether that plant is appropriate for their particular gardening environment.
“With the rising concerns over decreasing water resources the nursery industry was in urgent need of an initiative like this,” said Robert Harrison, owner and manager of Greenhills Propagation Nursery.
“We believe Water Miser is essential, empowering gardeners and landscapers to garden in such a way that protects our environment and preserves our precious water resources,” he said.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Garden Design / Construction
Royal Botanic Gardens takes a leading role in educating both professional and home horticulturalists about low water use gardening and effective irrigation management. Their Water Conservation Garden is a living example of the use of drought adapted plants. The garden outlines design principles like plant selection and maintenance techniques to reduce water use. On average, the garden requires only 50 percent of the water normally applied to garden beds.
Water conservation in the Gardens has been dramatically improved through staff development and changes to irrigation practices. More effective use of rainfall and the changing of turf types have resulted in significant water savings.
“The Water Conservation Garden is one of the more popular plant collections in the Royal Botanic Gardens,” said Divisional Director – Melbourne Gardens, Mr Richard Barley. “Visitors can often be seen taking notes for application in their own gardens,” said Mr Barley.
Products that save water
ARI Plastank
ARI has evolved into Australia’s largest polyethylene tank manufacturer and a leading advocate of water conservation. They saw the need to develop a more efficient way to utilise rainwater being captured.
To improve efficiencies ARI developed the Rainflush tank to toilet system, maximising the use of rainwater by using it to flush the toilet. Rainflush can use rainwater in small quantities, everyday of the year, thus is 30 percent more efficient than a rainwater tank used for irrigation only. The Rainflush system makes even a small tank a worthwhile contributor to water conservation.
“We believe the Rainflush system has achieved a merger between customer requirements, responsible use and the most efficient way to conserve water,” said David Beattie, Sales Manager.
ARI has evolved into Australia’s largest polyethylene tank manufacturer and a leading advocate of water conservation. They saw the need to develop a more efficient way to utilise rainwater being captured.
To improve efficiencies ARI developed the Rainflush tank to toilet system, maximising the use of rainwater by using it to flush the toilet. Rainflush can use rainwater in small quantities, everyday of the year, thus is 30 percent more efficient than a rainwater tank used for irrigation only. The Rainflush system makes even a small tank a worthwhile contributor to water conservation.
“We believe the Rainflush system has achieved a merger between customer requirements, responsible use and the most efficient way to conserve water,” said David Beattie, Sales Manager.
Products that save water
ARI Plastank
ARI has evolved into Australia’s largest polyethylene tank manufacturer and a leading advocate of water conservation. They saw the need to develop a more efficient way to utilise rainwater being captured.
To improve efficiencies ARI developed the Rainflush tank to toilet system, maximising the use of rainwater by using it to flush the toilet. Rainflush can use rainwater in small quantities, everyday of the year, thus is 30 percent more efficient than a rainwater tank used for irrigation only. The Rainflush system makes even a small tank a worthwhile contributor to water conservation.
“We believe the Rainflush system has achieved a merger between customer requirements, responsible use and the most efficient way to conserve water,” said David Beattie, Sales Manager.
ARI has evolved into Australia’s largest polyethylene tank manufacturer and a leading advocate of water conservation. They saw the need to develop a more efficient way to utilise rainwater being captured.
To improve efficiencies ARI developed the Rainflush tank to toilet system, maximising the use of rainwater by using it to flush the toilet. Rainflush can use rainwater in small quantities, everyday of the year, thus is 30 percent more efficient than a rainwater tank used for irrigation only. The Rainflush system makes even a small tank a worthwhile contributor to water conservation.
“We believe the Rainflush system has achieved a merger between customer requirements, responsible use and the most efficient way to conserve water,” said David Beattie, Sales Manager.