Energy efficiency is about using less energy to achieve the same outcomes
What are the benefits to my business?
Investing in energy efficiency can have a number of benefits for your business including:
- Reducing electricity costs
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving the comfort and amenity of the workspace
- Making it easier to go carbon neutral
Top 5 energy efficiency tips for Yarra businesses
Reducing energy use is a guaranteed way to improve the profitability, resilience and value of your business.
- Install timers or manually switch off appliances at the power supply when not in use. For example non-perishable drinks fridges, coffee machine and sandwich press.
- Set your thermostat to between 24 and 26 degrees for cooling in summer and between 18 and 20 degrees for heating in winter.
- Choose energy efficient alternatives when purchasing or leasing new equipment and appliances.
- Minimise temperature leakages via good draught seals, insulation and where possible, keeping your doors closed.
- Upgrade lighting to LEDs and installing sensors in low traffic zones, for example storerooms and bathrooms.
For more tips on how to save energy, visit EnergyCut.
Energy audits
An energy audit focusses on providing actionable energy conservation measures to reduce energy consumption and energy bills. There are three levels of energy audits, as detailed by the Energy Efficiency Council.
Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic energy audit, up to a full scope 3 audit inclusive of recommended projects in a large manufacturing business, which may cost up to $20,000.
The auditor will recommend energy and cost saving projects. Some will be inexpensive, while others may be large projects of many thousands of dollars. Recommendations are costed and the projected savings will be calculated by the energy auditor, along with the expected return on investment.
Sustainability Victoria has a full list of accredited auditors in Victoria and some worked examples of common projects for different industries and the associated savings.
What else should I know about and look for?
Grants
Governments are regularly providing grants for energy efficiency upgrades. View current grants and programs information.
There is also the Victorian energy upgrade program which provides subsidies for the installation of some energy efficient equipment.
Data
Electricity smart meters allow all Victorians to have access to their electricity consumption data to help them make informed decisions, understand electricity consumption, patterns and anomalies as well as assisting to determine the viability of major projects such as solar and/or energy storage.
The data can be accessed via user-friendly portals offered by some retailers or the network provider in your area (CitiPower or Jemena in Yarra).
Finance
There are many types of finance available. Some are highly complicated, whilst others rely on traditional mortgage backed finance.
It’s worth speaking with a finance professional to understand what works best for your business.
Sustainability Victoria has an overview of some of the types of finance offered.
Contact our Sustainability team to find out more.
Energy efficiency is about using less energy to achieve the same outcomes
What are the benefits to my business?
Investing in energy efficiency can have a number of benefits for your business including:
- Reducing electricity costs
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving the comfort and amenity of the workspace
- Making it easier to go carbon neutral
Top 5 energy efficiency tips for Yarra businesses
Reducing energy use is a guaranteed way to improve the profitability, resilience and value of your business.
- Install timers or manually switch off appliances at the power supply when not in use. For example non-perishable drinks fridges, coffee machine and sandwich press.
- Set your thermostat to between 24 and 26 degrees for cooling in summer and between 18 and 20 degrees for heating in winter.
- Choose energy efficient alternatives when purchasing or leasing new equipment and appliances.
- Minimise temperature leakages via good draught seals, insulation and where possible, keeping your doors closed.
- Upgrade lighting to LEDs and installing sensors in low traffic zones, for example storerooms and bathrooms.
For more tips on how to save energy, visit EnergyCut.
Energy audits
An energy audit focusses on providing actionable energy conservation measures to reduce energy consumption and energy bills. There are three levels of energy audits, as detailed by the Energy Efficiency Council.
Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic energy audit, up to a full scope 3 audit inclusive of recommended projects in a large manufacturing business, which may cost up to $20,000.
The auditor will recommend energy and cost saving projects. Some will be inexpensive, while others may be large projects of many thousands of dollars. Recommendations are costed and the projected savings will be calculated by the energy auditor, along with the expected return on investment.
Sustainability Victoria has a full list of accredited auditors in Victoria and some worked examples of common projects for different industries and the associated savings.
What else should I know about and look for?
Grants
Governments are regularly providing grants for energy efficiency upgrades. View current grants and programs information.
There is also the Victorian energy upgrade program which provides subsidies for the installation of some energy efficient equipment.
Data
Electricity smart meters allow all Victorians to have access to their electricity consumption data to help them make informed decisions, understand electricity consumption, patterns and anomalies as well as assisting to determine the viability of major projects such as solar and/or energy storage.
The data can be accessed via user-friendly portals offered by some retailers or the network provider in your area (CitiPower or Jemena in Yarra).
Finance
There are many types of finance available. Some are highly complicated, whilst others rely on traditional mortgage backed finance.
It’s worth speaking with a finance professional to understand what works best for your business.
Sustainability Victoria has an overview of some of the types of finance offered.
Contact our Sustainability team to find out more.
