64 | Apricus NZ Eco Energy CONTRACTING Making the most of renewable energy T Sue Russell Apricus has been designing and supplying solar hot water systems for 15 years. Marcus Baker, Managing Director of Apricus NZ Eco Energy, has made it his mission to support New Zealand home owners and businesses alike with environmentally sustainable sources of energy. Based in Tauranga, Marcus says its critical, at this time more than ever, that residential and business consumers understand the benefits from investing in renewable heating systems that out-perform conventional approaches. “I find it interesting that when a person, for instance, buys a high-end television, and may be outlaying thousands of dollars, they don’t ask themselves when will it pay for itself, yet when it comes to energy systems, this is usually the first question asked. “I think this attitude doesn’t appreciate the real benefits and value of sustainably sourced energy.” The company has been designing and supplying solar hot water systems for 15 years and in last three years widened its offering to include the latest technologies: Reclaim CO2 hot water heat pumps, Easypell and ÖkoFEN pellet boilers, and FlowSmart intelligent ring main control. “Reclaim is a Japanese heat pump using CO2 as the refrigerant, because CO2 has an incredible ability to retain heat. “While CO2 in the atmosphere is contributing to global warming as greenhouse gas, it’s exactly this quality that makes it a superb refrigerant,” Marcus explains. ÖkoFEN and Easypell pellet boilers are brought in from Austria, the global centre of wood pellet technology development, where tens of thousands of these systems are installed. More than designing and supplying these energy systems, Marcus says his key focus is on getting the message out to all sectors about the benefits that smart, eco-friendly energy systems offer. “While Apricus initially focused on the domestic residential market in NZ, these technologies are now operating in very large situations, such as hospitals, schools, and aged-care facilities.” He is also not surprised by the recently released recommendations of the Climate Change Commission that viewed the current use of electricity, gas, and other fossil fuels as demanding immediate attention, setting immediate goals for significant reduction in their use. For all new homes currently built in New Zealand approximately three quarters use a instant gas water heaters. The Climate Change Commission has said this must stop and very quickly. “The technologies that are available for solving our climate crisis are available now. That’s the most important message. “While Apricus initially focused on the domestic residential market in NZ, these technologies are now operating in very large situations, such as hospitals, schools, and aged-care facilities.” “It is not about developing new ways but knowing and using what is currently available. “We have a whole website at www.ecohotwater.co.nz dedicated to this. Fundamentally improving the performance of any home or building, is what drives us.” In a new build home, an average of 45% of the power is just for hot water. With improvements in insulation, efficient appliances and lighting all other energy demands have been reduced, but when it comes to providing hot water it still takes the same amount of energy to heat the water to 60°C. How this energy is provided is the crucial point to consider. “This is where our solar system delivers outcomes because beyond the cost of the technology the source of energy to heat the water is free.” Marcus says a ball-park figure for installing their solar hot-water system in a new home is $6,000. He wants consumers to feel empowered to demand the very best energy solutions available as a right. Marcus describes the Climate Change Commission’s recommendations as an important and radical shift that is entirely achievable. “It will reduce the cost of living and deliver real environmental gains. This applies even more so for commercial buildings. “That’s where we can be really ambitious with what is achievable.” Apricus NZ is involved in installing pellet boiler systems in three schools to replace coal and diesel, while a new apartment block in Hamilton East will be home to twenty Apricus solar collectors on its roof, massively reducing their gas use. Wood pellets fuelling boilers is a classic example of a win-win. “These pellets are made from our waste sawdust. A big timber mill produces tens of thousands of tonnes of sawdust. “New Zealand manufactures 100,000 tonne of pellets while at the same time importing coal from coal and oil from all over the world. It’s clear there is a smarter way of operating.” Above all, Marcus sees Apricus NZ as one small cog in an ‘Eco-Machine’ full of potential. “Solutions will come from many ideas and we’re proud to be championing these critically important matters.” Proud to be working with Apricus GENERAL RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING | GAS FITTING DRAIN LAYING | NEWBUILDING & RENOVATIONS 06 323 3607 | uneedaplumber@xtra.co.nz | www.uneedaplumber.co.nz Laser Plumbing Taupo 3/41 Runanga Street, Taupo taupo@laserplumbing.co.nz www.taupo.laserplumbing.co.nz 07 377 3023 Residential | Commercial | Maintenance & Servicing Central Heating | Waste Water Treatment “Totally Dependable” Proud to support Apricus
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