Spotlight on energy projects

EECA follows and shares the progress of clean and clever energy projects around New Zealand, particularly if we have contributed co-funding to the project. 

Fuelling the future with wood pellets

Alsco Uniforms New Zealand is officially coal free, after a transition to wood pellet fuel at their Christchurch and Invercargill sites.

Wood pellets are considered a sustainable and renewable fuel source because they are made from wood waste, which would otherwise remain as forest slash.

(Image shows the new boiler at the Christchurch site.)

Alsco NZ delivers managed rental services for uniforms, linens, and hygiene products to businesses nationwide.

In Invercargill, the company transitioned their existing coal boiler to run on wood pellets. They found that the boiler runs more efficiently on wood pellet fuel — with efficiency now at 82%, compared to 77% when running on coal. The transition has eliminated the site's reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

As well as reducing carbon emissions, the fuel switch has resulted in a cleaner operating environment and improved health outcomes for Alsco staff, particularly those with respiratory-related conditions. Running on wood pellets, the boiler has also increased preformace and steam supply.

At the Christchurch site, a brand new biomass boiler has been installed along with 2 silos for wood pellet storage.

Overall Alsco Uniforms New Zealand has reduced its carbon footprint by almost 60% from the 2019 baseline. 48% of this can be directly attributed to our transition away from coal, while the other 11% is attributed to energy efficiency projects.

These projects were supported with co-funding from EECA, announced in 2023. Read more about EECA-funded projects.

Read more about EECA-funded projects

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