In 2008 we began the conversion to solar energy resulting in a reduction in the total Kwh that we used and reduction of carbon emissions. The table below outlines the reductions achieved so far:
Year KwH/Year Reduction KwH CO2 Kg/Year ReductionCO2 Kg
2008 (pool pump solar) 62,659 32,872
2009 (12 panels) 50,128 12,531 26,298 6,574
2010 (18 panels in Aug.) 49,833 295 26,143 155
2011 43,609 6,224 22,878 3,265
2012 35,851 7,758 18,808 4,070
Total reduction 26,808 14,064
We remain committed to sustainability and we will continue to find innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint. In fact sometimes the changes are so easy and cost nothing. For example, changing the time we do our laundry. Our housekeepers would put on the washing machine when they came to work at 6.30 a.m. This would require using the electrical backup to heat the water. So now we have changed the time and no laundry is done before 10.30 a.m. by which time the sun has heated the water in our solar water heating system to the perfect temperature for doing the laundry and eliminates the need to use the electrical back up. Every little reduction helps along the way to becoming more energy efficient. We will continue to work at improving our energy efficiency. It is important for the planet and we think, particularly in these tough economic times, that it is important to pay less for electricity and keep the jobs of our really good team.
