Energy and Climate Change

Maximising efficiency and minimising your carbon footprint.

Why is climate change, carbon reduction and energy efficiency an important issue for companies?

Climate change is recognised by Australian Governments as one of the most critical and important challenges confronting society. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions requires business to be part of the solution and implement practical actions that can also deliver new business opportunities and cost savings.

Companies can play a key role in moving to a low carbon economy by being smart with their energy use and changing behaviour in the workplace. Minimising energy consumption and maximising energy efficiency can result in significant savings, often with very little investment up front.

Design for carbon reduction is a key strategy to help maximise energy efficiency through use of low-energy products and technologies. Whether it’s about designing a cleaner production system that utilises energy efficient plant and equipment, or designing an effective lighting system that makes use of available daylight, the design opportunities are considerable.

What are the design-related opportunities?

The design of energy-using products and services represents a significant point of intervention for maximising energy efficiency and helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

As a small manufacturer, retailer or service provider, try to purchase and/or lease the most energy efficient products you can. Sustainable procurement is one of the key tools in making sure you purchase EcoDesigned (energy-efficient) products, equipment and systems. Use your buying power to support good design that is environmentally oriented.

Minimising your carbon footprint also extends to opportunities for more energy efficient buildings and interiors. When designing, developing or occupying a new premises or space, seek specialist architectural and building management advice on how to minimise energy use through well-accepted energy efficient building design and facility management principles.

As a general rule of thumb, if you can procure and install energy efficient products and systems, you are well advanced towards minimising your carbon footprint and a host of other environmental impacts. A growing range of products and services (from energy efficient appliances through to ‘green’ energy) make it much easier to achieve desirable business outcomes that address good design and energy efficiency at the same.

Energy and Climate Change

What can you do to improve your energy-related environmental performance?

Energy efficient appliances can play an important role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have developed an excellent web site to help you choose the most energy efficient products. Categories covered include: clothes dryers, clothes washer, dishwashers, air conditioners, domestic refrigerators and freezers, commercial refrigeration, electric water heaters, ballasts, lamps, transformers and electric motors. For more information visit, www.energyrating.gov.au

Lighting – One of the simplest actions is to replace standard light globes with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Also investigate the possibility of using smart technologies to ensure lights are switched off when not required. Timers, motion sensors and light sensors, can make a real difference when it comes to reduced energy demand for lighting. For more information visit, www.growmethemoney.com.au
Air conditioning – One of the simplest actions is to adjust the thermostat to avoid cooling or heating more than necessary (18°C in winter and 23°C in summer). Also use zone functions and programmable thermostats to avoid heating or cooling spaces not in use. In relation to factories and warehouses, fit large doors with seals to prevent heat loss in winter or unwanted hot air from outdoors in summer. For more information visit, www.growmethemoney.com.au
Office equipment and technology – The major objective is to avoid unnecessary energy consumption during unoccupied working hours. One of the simplest actions is to ensure that all computers and printers are switched off at the end of each working day. Also check that photocopiers are set for optimal energy efficiency and use ‘energy saver’ or standby mode when not in use. For more information visit, www.growmethemoney.com.au
If your business is a significant electricity and/or gas user, then your plant and equipment suppliers might be able to provide water saving advice or more water efficient technologies and accessories.
Contact your energy retailer and see what sort of advice and support that provide to businesses. Most energy retailers provide some level of information on their websites for how electricity and/or gas use can be minimised with a view to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Check to see what programs, rebates or grants might be available for your business to adopt renewable energy technologies. Visit Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Business Program for more information, www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au
Information about renewable energy programs and rebates is also available on the Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts site, www.environment.gov.au
Raise awareness with staff and customers by placing simple signs and stickers near energy using products, equipment and appliances. Such stickers and related materials are sometimes available from your energy retailer.

Who else can help with knowledge, advice and support?

The following organisations are able to provide a diverse range of information, guidance and support depending on your specific energy efficiency and carbon management needs.

Grow Me the Money (VECCI Initiative)

Grow Me The Money is a free program for Victorian small to medium sized businesses interested in environmental sustainability. Grow Me the Money provides you with a step-by-step guide to saving money and reducing your resource consumption. It has excellent practical information related to energy efficiency for business. Grow Me the Money also features a detailed list of energy retailers and their websites.

www.growmethemoney.com.au

Resource Smart Business Program – Sustainability Victoria

The ResourceSmart Business Program helps businesses across Victoria manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. The program helps businesses to: understand the impacts of a carbon-constrained economy; apply simple and smart solutions to manage their carbon footprint; connect with like-minded businesses, suppliers and government agencies; and identify opportunities to innovate.

www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

Carbon Management – EPA Victoria

EPA has developed Carbon Management Principles (the Principles) to provide a step-by-step framework that organisations can use to drive good environmental and business outcomes. The Principles reflect a continuous improvement model. The EPA encourages you to use the Principles in your own carbon management decisions, assess their value, and work with us to improve them.

www.epa.vic.gov.au

Carbon Offset Guide

Developed through a partnership between EPA Victoria and Global Sustainability at RMIT, the Carbon Offset Guide is intended to be a resource for businesses, government agencies, NGO organisations and individuals seeking information about offsets. The aim of the website is to provide an independent directory of Australian carbon offset providers.

www.carbonoffsetguide.com.au

Department of Climate Change – Business & Industry

www.climatechange.gov.au