Energy & Greenhouse
Australian’s are amongst the highest greenhouse gas polluters per capita in the world. The main causes include our dependence on brown coal for energy, and our high level of ownership and usage of motor vehicles. There is plenty we can do however, to become more efficient with our energy consumption. This will help reduce our greenhouse emissions, and of course, our bills. This page provides a range of links to programs and resources to show you how.
Government Agencies
Sustainability Victoria
… the Victorian Government agency responsible for promoting sustainable energy and energy efficiency. Sustainability Victoria have a range of information and programs available for small/medium sized business.
Infoline 1300 363 744
Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO)
…the Federal Government office that delivers the majority of programs under the Australian Government’s climate change strategy, including the Greenhouse Challenge program for business.
Energy Efficiency Resources
Energy Rating
...a resource designed to help you choose energy efficient appliances to reduce your greenhouse emissions.
Energy Star
…similar to Energy Rating (above) this site provides information about energy efficient electronic equipment. An essential resource for a Green Office program.
Transport
Travelsmart
...a federal government program designed to help you make informed travel choices to reduce greenhouse emissions.
GreenFleet
…a program that offsets your greenhouse emissions from motorized transport by planting trees.
Renewable Energy
Greenpower
…information about government accredited renewable energy. Purchasing GreenPower from sources such as wind, solar and hydro is the easiest way to reduce your greenhouse emissions from stationary energy (excluding transport related emissions) to virtually zero.
Toolkits
Energy and greenhouse management toolkit
…provides information tools, case studies and guidance to help you achieve real cost savings, improved productivity, and compliance with legislation and licence conditions (if relevant). The toolkit is broken into six modules, however module 4 - Developing an Energy Management System - is arguably the most relevant and useful to small to medium sized businesses.
Fact Sheets
The Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria has developed information sheets on technologies and equipment that can significantly reduce energy consumption in business. Topics include:
- Air conditioning
- Lighting
- Cogeneration
- Motor systems
- Compressed air
- Office equipment
- Energy management
- Refrigeration
- Heat recovery
- Steam systems
- Insulation