Reducing Vinnie's carbon footprint

Thanks to donations from the community, St Vincent de Paul Society supports people in need with every day goods like clothing and appliances. The logistics getting donations to where they are needed is not a small feast.  Over 1500 tonnes of goods pass through the 1800 sqm warehouse in Canberra. The energy costs are enormous. This is why a solar and battery system will ensure that funds spent on electricity will instead be able to be used for charitable ativities.

The generous EKU energy grant allows Vinnies to install solar power on the roof of the Vinnies Mitchell Warehouse. The warehouse is the engine room behind the 11 Vinnies Op shops in Canberra . Accepting and sorting through over 2,000 tons of homewares, clothes and books every year the warehouse is also one of the most important locations for advancing the circular economy in Canberra.

The warehouse performs this work to raise funds to deliver vital social welfare programs within Canberra and its surrounding region. The installation of solar power allows Vinnies to reduce operational costs and strengthen the delivery of social programs and the environmentally important work we do. By funding solar power, the grant helps us create a safe, air‑conditioned working environment for our warehouse team-even in Canberra's extreme weather while advancing both our environmental and social sustainability goals.

Hammad Naqvi, Sustainability and Projects Manager at St Vincent De Paul Society

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