Greening up Liscombe House

OCAV is looking to install solar panels across its four villages over the next few years, starting with the rooftops of Liscombe House.

Over 300 solar panels have been installed at the aged care facility, with the aim of generating139mwh a year and to reduce Liscombe House’s energy usage, around 70 per cent of grid power.

Phillip Wohlers, CEO, said the switch to solar electricity was in keeping with aged care facilities around Australia.

“The uptake of solar is part of a broader trend of businesses to make better use of large, rooftop space and reduce power bills,” Phillip Wohlers said.

Currently lighting accounts for 35 per cent of total energy consumption at the average aged care facility, compared to a residential home where it accounts for 10 per cent.

“The investment into solar electricity is focused also on reducing our environmental footprint, Phillip Wohlers said.

Energy reduction through solar is equivalent to powering 259 homes’ energy use each year, 1.1 million kgs of coal burnt or 275 million smartphones being charged.

“Our aim is to future proof our villages against rising energy costs and regulations as well as health impacts from a changing climate. An increase in worldwide air pollution, caused by gases, chemicals, smog and climate change, is seriously impacting health risks and outcomes” Phillip Wohlers said.

Solar helps reduce air pollution significantly. Using the sun, rather than electricity, as a power source produces no harmful emissions.

According to a 2012 survey conducted on retirement villages by the Universities of Queensland and South Australia, Australians aged over 65 tend to be more conscious of their resource consumption. They also recognise the importance of energy and water saving, recycling and waste reduction.

Other energy saving measures recently put in place by OCAV include the construction of the multi-million dollar apartments at Rushall Park and Leith Park which enjoy a six-starred energy rating that includes double glazed windows.