|
Scratchley's is arguably the most environmentally friendly restaurant in Australia. We have gone to some length to ensure the marriage of environmental and commercial reality could meet in this showcase building. However, we did not reach all our dreams and there is still much to be done - but read on, as there are some hints and savings based on what has already been achieved here. Scratchley's On The Wharf began as a restaurant in November 1989. The reuse / conversion of the Old Stockton Ferry Terminal saw it operate as a successful BYO for 10 years. In an ever-changing world there came a time for change and in September 1999 it re-opened on the same site with greatly redefined shape and double the floor space. With three small children in our family we developed a growing awareness of business responsibility to the environment. It was due to this that we employed EJE Architecture to design a building with low energy usage and best practice in environmental architecture. We had some definite thoughts of our own and married these into the design of the building. The Architectural processes were developed by EJE Architecture, a firm committed to Newcastle and Environmental improvement. EJE are a truly wonderful firm to work with in regard to development of ideas of commerce and the environment. The passive solar design, use of low energy lighting, pearlescent paint, louvres, unique floor to ceiling opening doors and refrigeration motors on our roof have improved an already Energy Australia audited building. We have doubled our capacity in terms of available guest numbers, use the same amount of energy and only 22% more gas - a saving of $10 000 per annum. We have continued our policy of Environmental Excellence by recycling all aluminium and tin cans, corks, plastic bottles, milk cartons, cardboard and paper which represents 78% reduction by volume of potential waste to landfill. We reuse all chemical containers and use environmentally friendly cleaning products wherever possible. We use a Quantum Heat Pump to heat our water from ambient temperature to 60 degrees Celsius then we only require gas heating to raise the temperature to the regulation 80 degrees Celsius. Quantum Heat Pumps are a local company and we estimate that the use of their system will save $2000 per annum in gas - thus the repayment period for the system will be small, making it viable. Quantum won the overall Winner NEC Environment Award 1999 - Congratulations. Our door mats and safety mats are made by Tyrex from recycled rubber. Tyrex are another local organisation helping to reduce this great environmental threat and their product works effectively and looks attractive. The cost savings spoken of here are to encourage us all to look at the longer term and the future of our planet. The fact is, it is easily achievable and viable - restaurants are merely big houses yet small businesses. Think of how, with little effort, we could all help the planet for future generations and save money at the same time. At Scratchley's we are far from perfect or fanatical, but we are trying. If we can give you any assistance at home or at work we would be glad to help. To contact our Environmental Partners:
|
Click HERE to see how Scratchleys On The Wharf is helping heal the planet. © Scratchleys On The Wharf 2006 | Site by Net Perceptions :: Central Coast & Newcastle Web Design & Internet Marketing |