Imperial Cargo’s Paarl-based headquarters has switched on its new solar power system, while also opening the valves of its self-sufficient water treatment plant.
Imperial Cargo, a member of the Imperial Logistics group, has spent two years transforming what was a dump site into a green energy site.
“The headquarters, which comprise an office building for 120 employees, a 2 000 m² warehouse, a wash bay and workshop with nine bays, harness natural power, light and ventilation,” says Imperial Logistics marketing director Abrie de Swardt.
At this point in time, Imperial Cargo has one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the Western Cape, he adds.
At this point in time, Imperial Cargo has one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the Western Cape, he adds.
“The solar power system will generate and deliver in excess of 30 461 kWh annually. The company’s greenfields project has enabled clean, renewable energy usage at the site for the next 20 years,” he says.
The sun is also being harnessed in other ways.
The sun is also being harnessed in other ways.
For example, owing to the office’s east-west orientation, no desk in the building is more than 1.5 m from a window.
Also, through use of natural ventilation, staff do not need to switch on air conditioners, which only start up at a preset temperature.
