Powering the Future: The sustainable journey of Australian Power Equipment

SPECIAL FEATURE: REX AIRLINES MAGAZINE TRULY AUS

For the Directors of Australian Power Equipment (APE), Abby Crawford and Andrew Cockbain, the past year has been a period of growth, success, and sustainability-driven innovation.

From strengthening supply chains to receiving industry accolades,APE has been at the forefront ofthe renewable energy and resources sector. “It’s been a huge year,” says Abby. “We’ve been travelling across the globe – Milan, New York, Istanbul, Surabaya and right across Australia – working closely with suppliers to meet the growing demand for power solutions in the resourceand renewables sectors.

A YEAR OF RECOGNITION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The duo’s work has been well rewarded. APE earned a 2024 Australian Enterprise Award and made it onto the Financial Review’s ‘Top 100 Fast Growers’ list.

These accomplishments are the result of a relentless focus on sustainability and innovation, particularly in the realm of the circular economy.

“We’re passionate aboutreducing waste and finding waysto repurpose equipment,” says Abby. “A circular economy model is one of our most significant achievements this year. By refurbishing retired equipment and repurposing it for new projects, we’re not only creating more

sustainable power solutions, but also supporting local businesses and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing new products.”

APE’s dedication to sustainability has resulted in tangible impacts. For instance, the company recently repurposed equipment for a renewable energy client, which

was destined for landfill. “Manufacturing a new product

would have taken more than ten months and required extensive international shipping,” Abby says. “Instead, we identified existing equipment from a client who was closing a division and avoided 12.5 tonnes of waste.”

The repurposed equipment was delivered in just nine weeks – far faster than the ten or so months it would have taken to manufacture.

This initiative resulted in significant cost savings, ultimately reducing the company’s expenses by 75 per cent. It also helped avoid the environmental

impacts associated with new manufacturing and long-distance transportation.

The benefits didn’t end there. Local businesses were employed for refurbishing, engineering and certifying the equipment, further contributing to the Australian economy. Most importantly,it accelerated the client’s solar farm project, enabling renewable energy to flow sooner.

WILDLIFE WARRIORS: CONSERVATION IS KEY

APE’s commitment to sustainability continues beyond the equipmentit supplies. The company is deeply invested in Australian wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on protecting our native species and their precious habitats.

“We’re proud to have been sponsoring Aussie Ark for three years, supporting its incredible work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation,” Abby says.“Our contributions help ensure the organisation’s stability, allowing it to invest in crucial resources and staff.”

One of APE’s conservation effortsis investment in the Broad-Headed Python Project, which involves funding an Indigenous ranger to manage the project. This initiative ensures the protection of a species that plays a critical role in Australia’s ecosystem.

Additionally, APE has partnered with the Taronga Conservation Society to support its Platypus Project. APE’s funding has enabled Taronga Zoo Sydney to hire a dedicated Platypus Project Lead who is responsible for developing husbandry, operational,

and scientific guidelines at a purpose- built refuge and research facility.

This work not only supports the conservation of the iconic platypus, but also contributes valuable data to broader conservation strategies for the species. APE’s involvement allows for field work and hands-on wild animal handling that further enhances the understanding of this unique native Australian animal.

BUILDING A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Mackenzie Platypus Image by Rick Stevens

Looking beyond the present, Abby and Andrew are deeply committed to leaving a lasting legacy.

“It’s something we talk about often,” Abby says. “Our efforts today are about more than just running a successful business. We want to leave behind a legacy that inspires future generations to take responsibility for the environment and drive innovation in the power industry.”

The pair’s vision is built uponfour pillars: empowering future generations, promoting sustainable business practices, enriching communities, and inspiring aglobal movement.

“We want to show that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand,” Abby says.

“Our work is testament to the fact that businesses can be economically successful and environmentally conscious at the same time.”

Beyond its contribution to wildlife conservation, APE is focused on the communities it operates in, aiming to enrich the lives of people as well

as protect the environment.“We hope to be remembered not

just as leaders in the power industry, but also as a company that truly cares for the planet and the people living on it,” Abby says.

As Abby and Andrew take a well- deserved break over the festive season, their eyes remain firmly on the future. They’ve laid the groundwork for a legacy that prioritises sustainability, empowers the

next generation, and leavesa lasting positive impact on both the environment and the global business community. The hopeis that their example will inspire others around the world to follow suit, ensuring a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come.

“We hope to be remembered not just as leaders in the power industry but also as a company that truly cares for the planet and the people living on it.”

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