The St Ambrose Church (and its two attached houses) has been part of the Brunswick community for over 140 years. It recently: installed greywater and rainwater systems, insulating ceilings, replaced electric heating with 5 star gas central heating, upgraded lighting, and purchased 100% GreenPower, and has numerous other plans to continue making savings and reducing its environmental footprint. 

Townsville’s Kath and Kin Association provides opportunities for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and people with disabilities.

At Rose Gum Wilderness retreat in Queensland a number of energy efficiency improvements have been made. This case study outlines some of the changes, which include installation of gas hot water units; installation of eco-efficient lighting and appliances; and a number of initiatives encouraging guests to engage with the company’s energy efficiency focus. 

The Alto Hotel on Bourke in inner city Melbourne aims to lead its field in energy efficiency practices. Changes are extensive and have included equipping air conditioning with inverter and moment sensor technology (an $8000 saving); finding ways to optimise heating in an heritage building (solutions include staggered stud wall systems, multiple layers of floor coverings, and heat reflecting, double glazed windows). This factsheet outlines many of the 4-star hotel’s initiatives to bring energy efficiency to the front of its business model. 

When a customer pointed out the unsustainability of this hospitality venue’s food offerings, the business began a move towards greater energy efficiency that led to a 21% reduction in annual energy usage. The move, which also shaved $10,785 a year off the businesses costs (including through savings in waste and water management) involved changes in lighting, a shift to preferencing local and seasonal products and training of staff to support energy efficiency activities. 

The Glebe Point youth hostel in Sydney has saved $960 a year through moving to more efficient lighting options. Actions have includes replacing rooftop para floods with compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) flood lights; replacing 50 watt (W) down lights with 35W IRC halogen down lights; installation of fluorescent T5 conversion kits across the property; and replacing electric clothes dryers with gas units. 

At Hidden Valley, 1.5 hours out of Townsville, rising diesel prices prompted this accommodation provider to improve their businesses energy efficiency.  This case study details some of their actions, including changing traditional light bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescents, and replacing fridges with more energy-efficient models. 

Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort has done extensive work reducing its energy consumption. Changes have yielded a 3.5 year payback, and saved $270,000 a year in fuel costs. This factsheet explains many of the resort’s initiatives, including its work promoting energy efficiency to guests. 

Brisbane’s Manly Hotel was able to save 873,188 MJ of energy (a $20,000 saving for the  business) by focusing on energy efficiency. This case study highlights where savings were made: most came through the installation of energy-efficient equipment, including power factor correction equipment; upgrades to air conditioners and televisions and replacing halogen globes with light emitting diodes (LEDs).  The business also reduced hot water temperatures by 10°C. 

The not-for-profit organisation, Arts Project Australia, provides an inner city studio and gallery to nurture and promote artists with an intellectual disability. Owning the building makes environment actions even more compelling, so when an audit helped clarify priorities, the organisation got started. It installed double-glazed and operable windows, replaced halogens with light emitting diodes (LEDs), and switched power companies. Their first bill after the changes was $1200 less than usual.