The Incitec Pivot plant at Gibson Island in Queensland used about 13 peta joules (PJ) of energy in 2008–09 in the manufacture of nitrogen-based fertilisers. This case study describes 3 projects estimated to save 150,000 giga joules (GJ) of energy annually. This case study was developed as part of the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEGO) program.

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. 

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. 

When the Multicultural Services Centre of WA conducted an energy audit, air conditioning showed up as a large cost for the community services organisation. Numerous savings have been made since implementing recommendations like: adjusting thermostats to 22°C in winter, and 20°C in summer; regular cleaning of vents, ducts and skylights; task specific cooling via ceiling fans or portable fans; replacing florescent lighting with light emitting diodes (LEDs).

UnitingCare Community is a Queensland-based provider of community services. After energy audits were completed on a number of its 297 properties, the organisation began energy efficiency improvements as one of its first initiative. At Gipps Street, electricity consumption was high relative to floor area, until changes were made.

After an audit helped the owners of Berwicks Office Technology reduce energy costs in its 900 sqm building in Brisbane’s West End. Upgrading to a new digital metering system helped Berwicks to track spikes in energy use, while upgrading lighting made the parking garage safer and more energy efficient. It also led the company to replace its 200 fluorescent tubes with light emitting diodes (LEDs), resulting in a better visual experience for customers and staff, as well as reducing its electricity needs by around 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) a year.

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 changing irrigaton in orchards can cut energy use and save money.

To reduce costs at Drury Orchards in South Australia, the company installed a 24 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. The system helps offset peak electricity use in a company which spends around 70,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity a year, at a cost of more than $18,000. The solar investment of $44,000 (including an $18,000 rebate) will help Drury save over $9,500 a year with a payback period of 4.5 years.  

Dobbie Dico is a privately owned casting foundry in Perth specialising in manufacturing high quality ferrous and non-ferrous valves for the civil water industry, as well as castings for the rail and resource sectors. This case study shows how energy efficiency improvements and techniques such as sub-metering could bring improvements to the company’s energy management capacity. 

Generations Church, just north of Cairns, comprises a large hall, served by a large commercial chiller unit; a number of small rooms and offices (all with wall air conditioners) and an adjacent building with toilets, kitchen and a community room. An energy assessment show that for an investment of $2550, the top five opportunities to save could be implemented, bringing projected annual savings of $1430.