From the very beginning, Camp Glenorchy had a mission to build a tourist resort based on the philosophy and principles of the Living Building Challenge (LBC). LBC is a visionary ultimate green building standard internationally which incorporates regenerative design solutions that improve the local environment rather than simply reducing harm. The challenge for Vector Powersmart was to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and install a battery energy storage system (BESS) that would help Camp Glenorchy achieve LBC certification while providing energy security to the Camp Glenorchy and the township in the event of an outage.
The LBC criteria meant Vector Powersmart had to approach the project a little differently. Instead of using anodised aluminium when building ground mounds, we used timber in order to avoid embedded energy from extruding the aluminium. The traditional solar array design was also changed to reflect the surrounding mountains and provide a more aesthetically pleasing solar array, without compromising solar generation efficiencies.
Camp Glenorchy achieved its Living Building Challenge certificate and has won many awards for them achieving environmental and sustainability excellence. The battery energy storage system (BESS), combined with the 190 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system and an energy management system means that Camp Glenorchy has to import minimal electricity from the grid and are exploring ways to help stabilise Glenorchy’s network in times of power outages.
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