Amidst the exhilaration of delivering Australia’s largest pop-up sporting event, sustainability was an important consideration for event promoter the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC).
To help stage the event, AGPC called on Coates to provide more than 1,400 pieces of hire equipment, from pumps and portaloos to portable buildings and power generation. By integrating Coates’ Greener Choices gear into the mix – specifically 15kVA hybrid power systems, 45kVA Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), battery solar lights and hybrid lights, AGPC displaced 3.5-tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent, which includes greenhouses gases besides CO2) and saved 1,300 litres of diesel over four days. In addition, all diesel equipment supplied by Coates was 5% biofuel compatible, helping to further reduce emissions.
“By using a 5% biofuel, we achieved reportable stationary combustion emission reductions for equipment including generators, light towers and hybrid units, which was a great outcome,” says Matthew Walton, Director of Infrastructure and Innovation at AGPC. AGPC will continue to work alongside Formula 1® to reduce its carbon footprint, with sustainable power and lighting technologies remaining a focus for future events. “As Coates grows its asset base, we will expand our use of the Greener Choices products that they offer,” says Matthew. “As part of our sustainability journey we are also trialing hydrogen technologies, growing our use of biofuels, promoting public transport, reducing combustion emissions, and addressing waste reduction and resource recovery.”
Coates has partnered with AGPC since 1996 to help deliver 29 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX events, supplying a growing range of equipment, services and solutions each year.
According to Sam Borthwick, Major Projects Manager for Events at Coates, having an experienced team on site from start to finish enables them to respond to extra equipment needs and maintenance requirements. “Being on site allows us to react very quickly to customer demands. We also know what needs to be done to induct and get new gear to where it needs to be,” says Sam.
Having a strong on-site presence also allows Coates to attend daily briefings and go the extra mile to ensure the event runs smoothly. “With so many years’ of experience working with the AGPC, Coates has developed a deep knowledge of the site and all customer touch points, and we continue to learn and improve our process at each event,” Sam says. “A high level of assurance and customer care is also provided to AGPC following the event, through our formal de-brief and project review process.”
As the event has grown, Matthew says there are certain outcomes AGPC could not have achieved without Coates. “To deliver this event we need partners like Coates that work proactively, respond quickly to changing needs and have the flexibility to scale up and down to deliver on our event fundamentals,” Matthew explains. “I don’t think there’s another supplier in the market that has the all-encompassing capability to meet our needs in the way that Coates does.” Coates also sponsors the AGPC’s annual Rotary BBQ for all event suppliers and invests back into Australian
motorsport, adds Matthew. “It really helps to work with partners that share our passion,” he says.
Form more information, visit www.coates.com.au