Chadstone Shopping Centre

Chadstone Shopping Centre is a major regional shopping centre with over 386 shops and businesses located in Chadstone, Victoria. The centre has eight major tenants, two food courts, cinema complex, office tower and public facilities, which have been developed over a period of 42 years. The property is a multi level building with office tower and extensive parking areas. Chadstone Shopping Centre sees 15.8 million customers through the centre each year.

Chadstone Shopping Centre was approached and offered the savewater!® efficiency service as a way to reduce the centres water related costs (water, sewerage, trade waste, energy). Following an initial site assessment a water efficiency appraisal of the entire site was conducted. This appraisal involved the measurement of flow rates from water use appliances, and calculation of usage based on type of occupancy and pedestrian traffic, discussions with staff and assumptions based on experience.

Various discoveries were made through the appraisal process. The water pressure and flow rates delivered to all appliances measured at Chadstone were more than adequate for all uses measured. Similarly, for most vanity basins, troughs, sinks, dishwashers, glass washers, washdown hoses and showers the flow rates measured were significantly higher than required. These high flow rates contributed significantly to water, energy (hot water) wastage and unnecessary costs. In most vanity basins the excessive flow rates lead to splashing during use and hence a lower level of amenity than can be provided if the flow rate is matched to use requirements. All showers measured had flow rates well in excess of that required for the showerhead and showering purposes.

Upon assessing Chadstone Shopping Centre, recommendations were tailored to optimise each water using appliance. A comprehensive report was completed, suggesting a program for saving water.

The appraisal identified a number of areas that would benefit from water saving methods.

The appraisal identified the potential to reduce water costs, sewerage discharge costs and energy (hot water). By implementing all recommended water efficiency measures a total annual cost saving of $79,920 could be recognised.

Based on installation costs, total annual water, sewerage discharge costs and energy (hot water) cost savings the payback period was identified to be 5.6 months.