Commercial Award
Sponsored by Landcorp Farming
Winner - Biofiltro Farm.
Worms make a meal from dairy effluent.
Worm power is at the heart of Biofiltro Farm's effluent treatment system, a natural way of dealing with dairy effluent which was the winner of the Commercial Award. The waste is filtered through a weeping wall then drains through a bed of organic material seething with worms before being passed under ultra-violet light.
By the end of the process the effluent has been stripped of its harmful elements and is ready to irrigate onto land, reducing concerns about effluent run-off contaminating waterways.
Highly Commended - Anchorage Motel.
The Anchorage Motel in Te Anau was highly commended in the Commercial section of the awards. It's an environmentally friendly business that has achieved Qualmark Enviro Gold status. Nigel and Fiona Humphries have installed solar power, upgraded their units' insulation and heating, providing in-room recycling facilities and environmental information for their guests. They also send all their leftover guest soap to be recycled into biofuel.
Highly Commended - Ascot Park Hotel.
The Ascot Park Hotel was highly commended in the Commercial section for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The hotel's waste cooking oil is converted to biodiesel, there's a comprehensive recycling project for solid waste and there’s been a dramatic reduction in electricity use. The hotel is also associated with a conservation project on Dog Island and has been awarded Qualmark Enviro Gold status.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.