Specialist bakery and café Brioche has become the first business in New South Wales to install a solar- powered airconditioning unit.

As well as reducing the business’ carbon footprint, the environmentally friendly system is also expected to reduce the business’ electricity bills by half.

Owner of the Balmain-based business Fiona Wilkinson, sought the energy alternative after discovering the bakery and café didn’t have enough power to run an airconditioner as well as kitchen equipment.

According to Fiona, the heat in the bakery last summer led to several customers saying they would come back in the cooler months.

The bakery and café is known in the Balmain community for its organic, gluten-free and preservative-free treats.

Keeping with the ecologically sustainable theme, Brioche uses only recyclable plastic carry bags and utilises natural gas ovens and refrigeration.