This guide outlines the key considerations for the development of an energy-mass balance (EMB), a method for accounting for the energy and material flows, within a mining site. It was designed for corporations to meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program but can used by any large energy user as a guide on how to effectively develop an EMB.

Cantilever Interiors, a Victorian firm of furniture designers and makers, has long had an environmentally-focussed product offering. Customer demand drove the change to using ‘greener’ product made with sustainable materials in their furniture. In their own premises metal halide lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs) lighting were installed, they are more efficient than incandescent globes and have a longer life-span, reducing landfill. New insulation was installed, nullifying any need for heating and cooling. A new more efficient air compressor was installed.

Keech Australia has been designing and manufacturing high integrity steel castings for almost 80 years. Its carbon reduction strategy, started in 2010 aims, to reduce Keech’s carbon intensity but up to 30%, improve yield and competitiveness, and reduce productivity costs by 20%. This case study details the changes Keech Australia has made to meet these goals.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), the peak automotive body in Victoria and Tasmania, rolled out the Automotive Energy Information Program in October 2012. The program was designed to identify and promote energy efficiency practices and resources through the distribution of practical information for the industry to reduce costs and adopt energy efficiencies. This series of case studies were developed through program funded energy audits conducted by an energy specialist across a diverse range of businesses. They cover a range of topics including:

The ‘Watts in Your Business’ project conducted by Apple and Pear Australia Ltd completed energy audits of 30 packhouses and orchards Australia-wide. This fact sheet shows how grading equipment changes can cut energy use and save money.

At Capilano’s Richlands honey production facility, electricity and natural gas are the primary energy sources and input costs. Of the 18,000 gigajoule (GJ) (a cost of $580,000) used on site, 25% is used by thermal loads of pasteurisation and hot water generation. An assessment took into consideration upcoming business changes (the build of a new facility was pending) and advised Capilano about opportunities to save money on lighting, solar PV, thermal system insulation and heat recovery, and compressed air heat recovery.