The Royal Australia Mint may soon double as one of Canberra's largest solar-power arrays.
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The mint's managers have asked energy companies to investigate the feasibility of installing and operating solar cells on the Deakin property's 900-square-metre roof.
The distinctive 50-year-old building is one of the ACT's most popular tourist attractions and has been nominated for heritage listing.
The mint's chief executive, Ross MacDiarmid, said the agency had been considering the project for 2½ years as a way to "reduce greenhouse emissions and electricity costs through environmentally sustainable energy".
"If the project was to go ahead, there would be ongoing financial benefits for both the mint and the supplier," he said.
The mint invited solar companies last week to submit initial design proposals next month.
The building is regarded as a high-quality Australian example of stripped classical architecture, though Mr MacDiarmid said the agency would address any heritage concerns before approving the solar project.
"The mint is working with the building landlord to ascertain that the system would not detract from the building's vista and ensure that the structural integrity of the building would not be compromised," he said.
The mint managed to cut its electricity use by about 13 per cent last financial year, though a report published last year listed the building as one of the government's most energy-intensive workplaces.