Over the past six months the Club has reviewed its current energy suppliers and researched what green energy schemes were available under government grants, renewable energy certificates and/or tariffs. The Club engaged a number of local green energy suppliers and received quotes. The Club currently has two energy supplies; one to the Clubhouse and Proshop and the other to the greens and cart sheds. Both areas have opportunities to install solar panels and receive some good rebates.
There are a number of schemes in the market. The two options the Club reviewed were largescale generation certificates (LGCs), which are systems over 100KW and small technology certificates (STCs), which are under 100KW. Both schemes have great incentives and rebates. The big difference is that the LCGs receive larger incentives for a longer period of time while the STCs receive the rebate upfront on the capital outlay. Both schemes are guaranteed by government.
Upon review, the Club could only obtain a loan through this scheme for the clubhouse. The Club holds a lease in perpetuity on this land and is guaranteed. The provider is happy to revisit the greens and cart shed once the new lease is signed in 2020.
The Club decided to proceed with the 99 KW system for the clubhouse with a local northern beaches based company, Solar Energy Enterprises; their closest office being in Mona Vale. The cost of the system was $150K with a rebate of $60K for the STCs resulting in a nett cost to the Club of $90K. Below is a detailed spreadsheet showing the cost saving going forward. The Club will use the energy it creates and save $17k+ on its energy bill by the end of the first full year of the solar operating. Once the system is paid off in 7 years, the savings jump to $43k+ per year.
Aerial View of Clubhouse and Proshop Solar Systems
System Cost and Future Savings
The MVGC 99kW solar system will offset 92 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 191 barrels of oil.
Solar PV systems will potentially facilitate certification under the National Carbon Offset Standard and Carbon Neutral Program administered by the Australian Department of Environment. Benefits include:
- Enhancement of brand reputation, education about how to go carbon neutral, marketing advantages to businesses and offset achievements that improve the financial situation of energy intensive industries by off-setting their own carbon rather than purchase permits.
Course Update
Course Rough at MVGC
As mentioned in a prior email, Sam will review the rough mowing procedures and the length of tee shot carries from tee to fairway. The holes in question are 1st, 4th, 5th, 10th, 12th and 15th. Sam will start by reducing the height of rough in front of the tees; some of the areas will be extended into fairway and some will be kept at semi-rough height. We must keep in mind that shade, slope, drainage and irrigation will all determine whether the area can be converted into fairway.
12th Green Reconstruction
The 12th green reconstruction is planned for February. This will be subject to the contractor finishing on time at his current project. During the construction period, we will use 11A in place of the 12th hole. As the 12th green is moving slightly left, the area in front of the 13th tee will be a construction site. We will be bringing all the sand, gravel and construction vehicles through the hospital to minimise damage to the course. This will save on time and wear across the golf course.
We will not be able to play the 13th hole in its current length. It would also be dangerous to play a shorter tee at the start of the fairway with the spare hole 11A in play. The 13th hole will be played as a Par 3 from around the corner of the 13th fairway. Once you play 11A, you will have a short walk across the 13th fairway to a temporary tee. Once the construction of the 12th green is completed, we will review the use of the 13th hole. The 12th green design is on the notice board and website. We estimate the green will be out of play for approximately 12 weeks.
