The Energy Reform Implementation Group (ERIG) was a group established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to review certain elements of the operation of Australia’s energy sector and to suggest further reforms, where there is a case for them, supporting more efficient energy markets.

ERIG commissioned these nine specialist studies to advise on the matters under consideration. 

This case study presents Iluka Resources Limited’s successful adoption of the energy-mass balance (EMB) as the core method of energy analysis in its Synthetic Rutile facility in Iluka’s South West Operations, Western Australia. It discusses key aspects of Iluka’s experience, such as the EMB modelling approach, results achieved, lessons learned and the role the EMB will play in Iluka’s energy improvement initiatives. The case study was developed through Iluka’s participation in the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program.

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. 

Energy efficiency improvements at the Mackay based Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort have led to savings of over $30,000 a year (including savings made through waste and water management). This family-owned business has – amongst other changes – replaced its six gas-fired hot water systems with four heat pump systems, changed all lighting to energy efficient globes, and installed sensor lights where practical. 

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 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. 

Mercy Services provides in home and community support to various sectors of the community.  Environmental audits have spurred the organisation to make changes leading to a 16% reduction in gas usage and 23% in electricity usage (23,000 kWh) over a 5 year period. 

At the Footscray Community Arts Centre in Footscray, the site includes a heritage listed building and warehouse, and an outdoor amphitheatre and lawn. The site’s annual electricity spend it $27,000 (from an annual usage of 130,000 kWh) plus around $3000 in natural gas cost (from an annual usage of 200,000 MJ). An energy assessment identified this could be reduced by $11,000 per year (39% of annual spend) by implementing the suggested opportunities. 

Factsheet to help businesses importing, exporting, wholesaling, using and retailing gas products understand how mandatory reporting could apply to them.