An innovative new project dubbed Pay-As-You-Save (PAUS) has been launched today to make it easier for Fonterra farmers to access next generation milk chilling technology and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.

Milk chilling systems are critical in ensuring milk gets to the required temperature of 6°C or below within two hours of milking, but the units represent a significant capital investment for farmers and can become increasingly costly as they age. Older units also use Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which is a coolant gas that is being phased down in New Zealand and across the globe and are much more limited in terms of their technology and features.

The PAUS initiative offers Fonterra farmers the option to lease new cutting-edge systems rather than having to purchase them as they’ve typically done in the past.

There are a number of benefits for farmers as well as the environment, including:

– Hassle-free maintenance: full servicing of the chilling units overseen by Cool Group as part of the lease agreement.

– Cost effective: farmers have lease payments deducted from their monthly milk cheque from Fonterra, with the option to extend the lease when it rolls over or buy the unit at any point.

– Electricity savings: the units generate hot water, unlike most existing systems where heatis wasted. Farmers can use this for cleaning the milking shed and make significant savings on their electricity bill. This feature, combined with how efficiently the system itself runs, mean that Dairy Shed power consumption can be reduced by up to 30% on average.

– Reduced emissions: the leased units use what’s known as fourth generation refrigerants instead of HFCs. They have shown a reduction in CO2e of up to 80% compared to older systems.

– Milk quality benefits: milk snap chilling to 6°C or below to comply with milk chilling regulations. Older systems can struggle to achieve this, particularly as they age.- Improved technology: the units deliver transparent data and allow real-time remote monitoring.

Fonterra supplier Bruce Murphy of Timaru, an adopter of the technology says

“After years of wrestling with rising repair costs and aging chilling systems, the PAUS initiative will be a game-changer for Fonterra suppliers like me. The hassle-free nature of the scheme means I have more time to do other things on the farm and its leasing model eases the financial burden. The benefits of extra hot water, lower power bills and the environmental aspects really help sustainable farming and improve milk quality”

PAUS has been set up as a subsidiary of Cool Group, a New Zealand-owned and operated company whose other subsidiary Coolsense is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specialising in commercial and industrial chilling systems.

“This initiative is more than just a product offering,” says Allan Steele, Cool Group CEO.

“It’s a commitment to supporting sustainable dairy farming, reducing our collective carbon footprint, and enhancing the efficiency of milk production. The environmental and economic advantages of the PAUS project have been field-proven, marking a significant stride in the journey to more sustainable milk production. And we are excited to be working with all our partners in making a difference.”

Anne Douglas, Group Director of Fonterra Farm Source, says the Co-operative was keen to be involved given the project brings both short and long-term benefits.

“We’re delighted to be part of this collaboration because it delivers value to Fonterra farmers through things like improved efficiencies while also helping lower on-farm emissions. It’s an exclusive deal that we can offer in large part because of the scale of our Co-operative and strength of our partnerships.”

New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) is providing the necessary financing for the leasing of these chilling systems.

“By financing this initiative, we’re championing a transformative step in sustainable farming practices. The $10m asset finance facility from NZGIF should assist Cool Group to offer low emission chilling infrastructure to 200+ farms in the next 3 years,” says Jason Patrick, ChiefInvestment Officer, NZGIF.

Another important aspect is the destruction of HFC refrigerants from the legacy equipment which is being undertaken in partnership with Cool-Safe, New Zealand’s product stewardship scheme for handling the very high global warming potential gases being recovered from many of the older refrigeration systems. Its involvement ensures HFC’s are appropriately collected and destroyed using state of the art technology, eliminating the harm these synthetic refrigerants have on the environment. Richard Lauder, chair of the trust running Cool-Safe, noted “We are delighted to be involved and play a part in this scheme assisting the dairy sector in its efforts to reduce energy use and improve environmental impacts”.

Furthermore, Purpose Capital, NZ’s largest private sector impact investment fund, has entered into a strategic alliance with Cool Group by investing equity to foster business growth. Bill Murphy, Executive Director, expressed, “Collaborating with Cool Group Limited and being part of the PAUS project is an exciting venture for us. Traditional refrigerants are a considerable contributor to global warming, and their proper management and substitution represents one of the most effective climate solutions available. We’re committed to investments that drive positive change with measurable positive impacts, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment. We’re thrilled tobe working alongside all the partners in this venture.”