Bowens, a fourth-generation, family-owned Australian business and market leader in supplying timber and building supplies in Australia, is investing over more than $1.2M to reduce their carbon footprint with newly installed Power Factor Correction Units and Solar Modules across their operations. Source: Timberbiz
As Australia experiences a surge of new home builds and renovations up 33% since 2019, Bowens says it is demonstrating an ongoing commitment to reduced carbon emissions as a first step to tackling the output of Australian construction, as the sector makes up 18.1% of Australia’s carbon footprint.
Bowens is introducing efforts to improve energy efficiencies across their stores and contribute cleaner energy to the grid through the installation of solar panels and Power Factor Correction Units.
The PFCs are installed by Energy Aware across all 16 stores, with the solar installation of 1386 modules taking place by Beon Energy Solutions at Bowens manufacturing subsidiary Timbertruss in Corio, Geelong. The Timbertruss solar panel installation alone will reduce Bowen’s energy reliance by up to a third of current yearly use.
“The world around us has seen a heightened focus on the environmental impacts of corporations and governments both big and small,” Bowens Chief Investment Officer, Andy Bowen, said.
“It is our duty as an industry leader to play a positive role in this movement and do what we can – from recycling waste to reducing our power consumption.
“Sustainability and energy efficiency is at the forefront of senior management’s long term strategic decision making. The business is investing millions of dollars in upgrading our stores and facilities, making sure that we minimise our carbon footprint at every turn,” he said.
“Our ongoing commitment to helping Australians build better includes addressing long term challenges that face our industry by investing responsibly in sustainable practices. We will continue to prioritise sustainable business decisions as we deliver the highest quality building materials for all Australian builders.”
The construction industry, by its very nature, is a big user of natural resources. While timber is a highly sustainable building material in terms of long-term supply, climate change remains a broader concern for all Australian industries. Business leaders must consider how short-term responsible investment protects long term output.
Beon Energy Solutions’ Business Development Manager, Jeremy Mugavin said the project was worthy of celebration.
“We’re pleased to partner with Bowens for this project, which is a great example of a progressive business investing in sustainable power alternatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Together with our partners at Next Generation Electrical, we’re proud to have delivered this installation on time and to the highest safety standards,” Mr Mugavin said.
The mammoth project at Timbertruss includes 1386 Trina Solar Modules in an almost $1 million investment in a cleaner energy future for Bowens and their subsidiaries.
