Paying it forward with recycling initiative

Bayfair Shopping Centre proved there is always an opportunity to support the local community and environment, when a recent air conditioning unit replacement project was used to direct funds to a local charity. Bayfair, together with Haden Mechanical Services saw a unique opportunity to turn a simple procedure into a recycling and charitable project.

Haden was employed by Bayfair to replace a roof top air conditioning unit. The exercise was carried out before the centre opened to minimise the impact with crane movements to air and ground traffic control, and to retailers and customers. The replaced air conditioning unit has been recycled and sold, with all proceeds of the sale donated to SPCA Tauranga. Bayfair matched the sale dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total contribution to more than $1,300. 

Once removed, the air conditioning unit was dismantled and many parts were recycled in accordance with the IRHACE (Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand) guidelines. The oil was drained for recycling, refrigerants decommissioned and the metal components of the unit (motor, aluminium, copper and scrap metal) were broken down for various recycling requirements.

Margaret Rawiri, operations manager of SPCA Tauranga says, “This is a wonderful donation and we are so appreciative to Bayfair and Haden for their support.

“The money will be put to good use and will be put towards the cost of much needed improvements to our dog area. This will be another big project for us following the completion of work on our main buildings, but we look forward to providing all of our dogs and puppies with better facilities while they are here; all of which can be made possible by wonderful donations like this”.

Richie Wellsbury, Bayfair operations manager says, “Both Bayfair and Haden have strong sustainability practices in place, so recycling as much of the unit as possible was important to both companies.

“Bayfair actively supports the SPCA through the community wall and Facebook adoption updates. We are pleased that together with Haden, we can provide support to this important community organisation.”

SPCA Tauranga is a voluntary organisation and receives no state funding. All operations are funded by donations and local supporters. For more information on the pets available for adoption, visit the Bayfair community wall located in the corridor leading to the centre management office alongside Farmers or the SPCA Tauranga website www.taurangaspca.co.nz