Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia
	images	Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia Lady Elliot Island Resort is part of the World Nature Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park located 80km offshore. The Resort was dependent on 3 diesel generators for electricity supply, consuming 550l of diesel fuel/day, adding up to 200,000l annually. The fuel was barged into the island every 3 months, resulting in large volume of Greenhouse gas emissions as well as substantial operational cost. Handling of large quantities of fossil fuel in the sensitive marine park environment posed significant spillage risk for flora and fauna. Energy consumption in various segments of the resort was uncontrolled, with no metering carried out. Extensive consultation in conjunction with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and a comprehensive Level 3 Energy Audit by Tropical Energy Solutions in Townsville in 2007 served as basis to reduce the ecological footprint of the Resort significantly whilst creating substantial economic benefits. Project Vision and Innovation Protecting the unique environment on this coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park through significant reduction of the environmental impact encouraged us to design and install the Hybrid Solar Power Station as the largest privately owned off-grid power system in Queensland. It attracted 50% funding subsidy under the Australian Government's Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme (RRPGP). Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is one of the first island resorts in Australia to move almost entirely to renewable energy. Target is to move to 100% renewable power sources within the next 5 years. The project establishes a precedent for innovative off-grid energy management and encourages other operations in remote locations to install a similar system. The financial payback period is only 3 years. It is attractive for visitors particularly from schools and universities and increases the resorts turn-over. Interpretive tours lead to a greater awareness which will further encourage sustainable principles. ESD Principles Modular, expandable system, partly assembled off-site. Passive solar design principles, best orientation for maximum solar gain Natural ventilation for cooling of solar cells and battery banks. Natural material selection with low embodied energy and maintenance. Trusses / raw timber frames provide effective structure with minimal material use. Minimal ground disturbance - components act as ballast, allowing use of no anchors, foundations or concrete slabs although structure rated for cyclonic wind conditions. Sophisticated demand management functionality Easy scalability of system due to AC-coupling between all loads and all supplies Architecturally significant on island, promoting interest in ESD. Further ESD Initiatives Rainwater harvesting Grey- and black water treatment Installation of energy saving appliances Installation of water saving appliances and fittings Energy efficient lighting and equipment Upgrade of energy intensive pumps Energy efficient desalination plant powered by Hybrid Solar Power Station Increased awareness and ongoing training for resort staff by consultants For further information refer to: http://www.ladyelliot.com.au/Default.asp CLIENT:Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort COMPLETION: 2008
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