Biogas recovery project an award winner for AJ Bush & Sons

AJ Bush & Sons has won a sustainability award for a biogas recovery project that converts its waste water into energy to help power its operations.

The Queensland meat by-products manufacturer won the Business Eco-efficiency Award at the Queensland Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

This award is granted for outstanding performance in improving its operational efficiency by applying environmentally beneficial processes, systems or practices.

AJ Bush and Sons processes over 800 tonnes of animal by-products daily, worked with engineer, design and construction firm, Wiley, to design, engineer and implement a recovery system which directs the waste water from the rendering process to a number of covered anaerobic ponds.

From there, biogas is captured and used as an alternative fuel source to produce electricity and steam for the factory.

Wiley managing director, Tom Wiley, said the the award, and the improvements this project will bring, were testament to AJ Bush and Sons' commitment to “creating a more eco-efficient manufacturing future”.

Queensland premier, Campbell Newman said competition for this year’s awards had been tough, with almost 150 nominations from community groups, schools, industry and business.

“The overwhelming response to these awards is a strong sign that Queenslanders are embracing new ways of doing things,” the premier said.

“I congratulate all the finalists on their achievements and encourage them to continue their work in improving their bottom line and protecting our environment.”