Abattoir cuts back C02 emissions

Fletchers Abattoir is cutting its carbon emissions by turning its back on burning fossil fuels and using natural woodchips as its energy source.

Cutting carbon dioxide emissions by about 95 per cent, the facility in Albany recently bought two purpose-built boilers which have the capacity to generate six tonnes of steam each from burning pine woodchips rather than LPG and oil.

The heat and steam produced from the burners provide hot water throughout the production department while successfully reducing CO2 emissions.

"I wouldn't say it is new, but what we have is definitely more advanced equipment to what has been around," WA general manager Greg Cross said. "It is more efficient, more automated and with the technology that is out there, it is more sustainable."

With a total outlay of about $4.5 million, the furnaces will burn about 6500 tonnes of pine a year, sourced from the Forrest Products Commission.

Mr Cross said burning was far more environmentally sound than LPG and arguably a preferable fuel source from a greenhouse viewpoint.

In August the idea to use woodchips as a biofuel resource was also endorsed by the City of Albany to heat the five swimming pools and air handling units at the Albany Leisure Centre.

The proposal suggests it will reduce carbon emissions by 560 tonnes, with a cost saving of about $50,000 per annum. Mr Cross said woodchips were just the beginning for Fletchers Abattoir.

"Looking further down the track, there is scope for the oil boilers to be converted and, if not into woodchip, perhaps sawdust," he said.

"This is just the beginning - there are many options we need to explore."

"We are very keen on innovation and seeing it in practice."