Date Published: 05/2013

R.M. Williams is a well-known Australian clothing manufacturer and retailer. The company employs 340 staff at its manufacturing operation in Salisbury, South Australia. R.M. Williams is recognised for quality footwear, clothing, accessories and a wide range of craft products. The company distributes these products through 53 of its own retail stores across Australia and overseas, as well as through more than 800 wholesale stockists globally.

Identifying Environmental Opportunities

R.M. Williams manufacturing reports on a triple bottom line, covering financial, environmental and community performance. In 2005, the organisation's Environment Committee commissioned an environmental audit for its operations. The process identified opportunities for improvement across waste streams and consumables and formed the basis for future sustainability initiatives. The Environment Committee includes representatives from across the organisation and meets quarterly to report on environmental performance.

Culture of Sustainability and Continuous Improvement

The organisation also runs a 5S program across 18 teams, with each team meeting fortnightly. Teams are required to identify efficiency and reduction opportunities within their workspaces.

Kaizen, or continuous improvement events, regularly focus on key areas, including:

• Separating waste streams.
• Improving energy awareness, such as switching off equipment.
• Identifying sustainability opportunities through technology.

Energy Audit and Findings

In late 2011, R.M. Williams undertook an Energy Audit with Pangolin Associates as part of the South Australian Government's Business Sustainability Alliance (BSA) program.

R.M. Williams' manufacturing base had expanded significantly over the previous decade, creating a need to further improve environmental performance. The organisation wanted to identify sustainability, productivity and energy efficiency opportunities that could support its continued manufacturing growth.

The Energy Audit identified energy-saving measures of approximately 21% per year and cost savings of more than $66,000 per year. Pangolin's auditors calculated a payback period of less than three years.

Energy and Waste Achievements

Following the Energy Audit, R.M. Williams achieved substantial reductions in energy use and waste sent to landfill.

In 2012, the organisation achieved:

• 84,500 kWh in energy management savings.
• 54 tonnes of cardboard recycled or reused.
• 21 tonnes of white paper recycled.
• 16 tonnes of timber recycled.
• 40 tonnes of leather offcuts diverted.
• A total waste diversion rate of 42%.

Sustainability Initiatives

Following Pangolin's recommendations, sustainability actions included:

Voltage Optimisation

Through Pangolin's partner, Energywise, R.M. Williams implemented power factor correction and voltage optimisation on its distribution board.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

The organisation began replacing warehouse high bay metal halide lighting with occupancy and daylight-sensing alternatives, with 4 x 58 W T5 lighting under trial. In 2012, R.M. Williams replaced 153 T8 lights with more efficient T5 lighting within its manufacturing facility.

Solar Renewable Energy

The manufacturing facility investigated a 100 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, with plans to submit the proposal to senior management and the board.

Equipment Improvements

Compressor pipework from a dryer was replaced, and the compressor's timer was rewired to improve operational efficiency.

Business Sustainability Alliance (BSA) Energy Efficiency Funding

R.M. Williams, along with several other Pangolin clients in South Australia, received Business Sustainability Alliance (BSA) Energy Efficiency funding. This funding supported the delivery of energy audits and training programs to help identify and implement energy efficiency opportunities. The BSA was an initiative of the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy, SA Water, Zero Waste SA and the Environment Protection Authority.