Sustainability Report 2005-2006
Department of the Environment and Water Resources, 2007
Canberra environmental performance
Energy
EN17: Initiatives to use renewable energy sources and to increase energy efficiency
Goals 2005-06
Renew the JGB tenancy 100% green energy procurement agreements
Purchase 100% green energy for the EBB tenancy
Performance 2005-06 and trends
100% of the JGB energy needs continued to be met with accredited green power. Due to the nature of our tenancy agreement in EBB, it has proved difficult to arrange a green-power contract for that location. 87% of our overall tenant light and power (TLP) usage was supplied by green power. This represents a decline of 10% on last year, but reflects the first full 12 month occupation of the EBB tenancy.
Despite the upward trend in the department’s TLP statistics over the past three reporting periods, our performance has remained more than 40% below the Australian Government target for energy intensity of 10 000MJ per person per year. This target is expected to be revised to 7500MJ soon. It is also relevant that 87% of our power needs are met with accredited green power, reducing the greenhouse impact of our usage and supporting the development of alternative energy industries with our practices, as well as the DEH portfolio’s broader programme work.
The elements of power-saving that staff can directly influence -primarily personal computer use practices-have been included in a new training programme designed to increase staff awareness of their day-to-day environmental responsibilities. By addressing both engineered and behavioural opportunities for power saving, it is expected that the department’s energy use performance will stabilise at an intensity level similar to or lower than current levels.
Commentary
Maintaining a certified EMS for many years has resulted in many changes that increase energy efficiency and save money; for example, motion sensors on meeting room lights, a building management system that automatically shuts off non-essential lighting after 6pm, and the procurement of Energy Star-compliant equipment and appliances with high Energy Star ratings.
Goals 2006-07
- Continue to monitor existing power-saving initiatives to ensure they are working effectively
- Conduct an appliance audit to determine compliance with procurement policies regarding energy efficiency
- Secure a 100% accredited green power contract for at least one additional DEH tenancy by the end of 2006-07.
Related Indicators
Contents
- Sustainability Report 05-06
- Executive summary
- Vision and strategy
- Our organisation
- Governance
- Policy and influence
- Environmental performance
- Social performance
- Economic performance
- Report assurance statement
- Case studies
- GRI index
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window