What is IRT doing?

2011

In 2011 IRT has again been awarded significant funding supported by the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund, to continue to improve our sustainability performance and reduce our environmental footprint at our Communities in the Illawarra and on the South Coast, through three energy saving projects.

These projects include:

• Energy efficiency lighting retrofits at IRT William Beach Gardens, IRT Woonona and IRT Links Seaside - saving 949 megawatt hours of electricity and 1021 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years.
• Solar hot water heaters replace electric hot water heaters at IRT Diment Towers and IRT Moruya - saving 400 megawatt hours of electricity and 427 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years.
• Ozone laundry systems installed at IRT Culburra Beach, IRT St Georges Basin and IRT Sarah Claydon - saving more than 20 million litres of water, 880 megawatt hours of electricity and 1431 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years.
  Ozone is an extremely active and effective biocide and disinfectant that enables washing to be done in cold water and with fewer cycles, resulting in significant energy and water savings. The use of ozone also reduces chemical use and is therefore gentler on garments, so prolonged garment life is another benefit of the systems.

IRT Chief Executive, Nieves Murray said these energy saving projects demonstrate IRT’s commitment to becoming a sustainable organisation and would not have been possible without funding supported by the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund.

“IRT is working hard to reduce our impact on the environment through a range of sustainability projects involving energy and water savings, recycling and waste management.”

2009

In 2009 IRT successfully applied for multiple grants from the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. These grants, totalling close to $300,000, have enabled IRT to undertake important energy and water efficiency projects. Some specific examples include:

• solar hot water upgrades at Dalmeny Village
• rain water tanks and energy efficient lighting at Diment Towers and Five Islands Court
• rainwater tanks at Macarthur and Woolwich Village
• ceiling insulation at Moruya, Sarah Claydon, St Georges Basin and Culburra Villages

IRT has also signed up to a state government program called ‘Sustainability Advantage’. The Sustainability Advantage program enables us to assess our performance in a number of key operational areas such as stakeholder engagement, vision, commitment and planning, resource use and supply chain management. Under this program:

• William Beach Gardens and IRT Catering Services are pursuing site assessments and brainstorming sessions identifying a series of priorities
• IRT Dalmeny, IRT Sarah Claydon and IRT Macarthur have also been through the assessment and brainstorming sessions, and feedback on the performance of the facilities allow for continuous improvements
• IRT Macarthur has also had LED lights installed in one of the car parks and the effectiveness, cost and environmental benefits are being monitored. LED’s are extremely energy efficient and are considered the future in lighting with significant benefits

Waste & Recycling

IRT is proactive with recycling paper and cardboard however there is much more the organisation is striving to do. Most of IRT’s sites have their paper and cardboard recycled, however our strategy to manage comingled recyclables (tins, plastic containers, milk cartons and cans) requires further attention.

A waste management strategy is currently in development to ensure all IRT sites have the opportunity to manage their waste according to best practice and as effectively as possible.

The amount of copy paper used by IRT is significant, so we are exploring opportunities to reduce the amount of paper used and look to purchase copy paper with a significant recycled component.

Water

The cost of water is projected to increase by approximately 28% from 2008-09 to 2011-12 and IRT has set a target to reduce annual water use for 5% annually. This price increase and projected future increases represent a significant cost for IRT, however it will create important opportunities for improvement.

IRT will be analysing water use in our communities which will enable us to identify solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and using this water in laundries, toilets and for irrigation.

A water savings action plan is in developed which outlines a process IRT can follow over time to:

• reduce water consumption
• identify ways to reduce reliance on potable water
• map out solutions for grey and black water management

Improvements to water consumption will be made through the installation of a variety of initiatives including water saving shower heads, water efficient washing machines and dishwashers and by checking and stopping leaks and faulty equipment.

IRT has joined the Every Drop Counts program with Sydney Water and will start rolling out water savings initiatives and education programs during the second half of 2010.

Energy

As with water, the cost of gas and electricity is set to rise over the coming years and IRT has set a target of reducing energy use by 5% annually. IRT and our Lifestyle Community residents will need to identify ways to reduce consumption and costs.

Already, through ceiling insulation installation at most communities, a conscientious campaign to switch lights off and air conditioners when leaving rooms for extended periods and solar hot water installation at IRT Dalmeny, excellent results are being achieved.

Other ways IRT is pro-active and responsible with energy management include purchasing accredited renewable green power and investigating renewable energy solutions including solar hot water systems. Carbon off-setting will become an important energy management issue as will consideration for video conferencing to reduce the amount of travel, fuel use and vehicle maintenance by staff.