Energy saving

These are schemes that are finished but the information resulting from them could be useful as a resource for similar industries, or as examples of the types of initiatives than can be introduced.

Energy Efficiency Best Practice Program

The Federal government worked with companies and research agencies from a range of sectors to improve the energy efficiency of a range of industries under the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Program. This collaborative approach resulted in a series of case studies and best practice guides which identified significant energy efficiency and cost saving measures.

The case studies include the following:

• Manufacturing Industry
  • Amcor
  • Bakers Delight
  • Barrett Burston Malting
  • Carlton and United Breweries
  • Dairy Processing Industry
  • Bakeries – Best Practice Guide
  • Wineries – Best practice Guide
  • Pasteurisation Options for Brewers – Best Practice Guide
• Retail Industry
  • Coles Supermarkets – Best Practice Guide
• Hotels
  • Various hotels – Best Practice Guide
  • Hotels – Information Sheet
• Other Information
  • Energy performance contracts – Best Practice Guide
  • People and processes – Best Practice Guide
  • Aluminium – Industry Review
  • Fleet Sector – Industry Review
  • Electric motors – Energy Efficiency Checklist.

Links to these case studies and further information on the program can be accessed at http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/efficiency/best_prac/Pages/default.aspx

Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program

The Energy Efficiency Opportunities program was focused on working with large energy-using businesses to improve their energy efficiency by identifying, evaluating and reporting on identified cost effective energy savings opportunities.

The Program had the aim of improving the energy efficiency of the country’s largest energy users and was underpinned by the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act (2006). The Program required large energy-using businesses to conduct a detailed assessment of their energy use, and to identify and evaluate opportunities to cost-effectively improve their energy efficiency. Participation in the program is mandatory for corporations using more than 0.5 PJ of energy per year.

Businesses involved in the Program used an assessment framework to assess their energy use and identify energy savings opportunities. The framework takes a whole-of-business approach to energy efficiency, and addresses the key factors relating to energy use by the business activities. Participants are required to report the outcomes of the process to the public and the government.

A report (First opportunities a look at results from 2006-2008 for the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, 2010) outlining the program outcomes can be accessed at the following address: http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/Documents/energyefficiencyopps/PDF/EEO_FirstOpportunitiesReport_2010_FINAL.pdf

Guidance documents have also been developed to assist in the analysis of energy and mass flows through a site or fleet using an energy-mass balance (EMB) or similar technique. This guidance material has focused on specific industry types (Mining, Transport and Commercial buildings) but may also be applicable to other industries.

Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program

The NSW Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program provides:

• A subsidy for an energy assessment and an energy action plan tailored to the business (total cost to the business is a maximum of $150, less for businesses using less electricity).
• A 50% discount off installation costs for energy efficient improvements (up to $5,000 for businesses using $5,000-$20,000 a year in electricity and up to $2,000 for businesses using less than $5,000 a year in electricity; the items must have a payback period of greater than 24 months). Energy improvements covered by the scheme include:
  • lighting and skylights
  • heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and insulation
  • electric motors
  • air compressors
  • commercial refrigeration
  • boilers
  • insulation
  • hot water systems.
• Assistance from an assessor to install energy saving improvements, at no cost to the business. 

The scheme is open to businesses that use up to approximately $20,000 in electricity a year or have up to about 10 fulltime employees.

A brochure providing further information on the scheme is available at Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program Brochure.  Or visit the NISBN website.

Sustainability Advantage Program

Over 480 organisations are currently working with the Sustainability Advantage program to:

The Sustainability Advantage Program is focussed on:

• Managing environmental risk and ensuring compliance
• Encouraging the use of  resources more efficiently
• Integrating environmental strategies with business planning
• Measuring the carbon footprint of the business and managing the emissions
• Enhancing customer, supplier and community relationships, and
• Engaging and training staff to become an employer of choice.

Participants in the Program are required to commit to an 18 month involvement and a small financial contribution.  In return the schemeprovides access to expertise, training, tools and a network of organisations working with you towards sustainability. An initial evaluation of the businesses environmental performance provides a basis for the identification of improvements that could be implemented.

One of the key features of the scheme is the way it brings groups of businesses together into groupings based upon regions, industry type or supply chain. Meetings of these business groupings provide an opportunity to learn from each other experience and knowledge.

Further information on the program is available at Sustainability Advantage brochure.  Or visit the NISBN website.