Energy Efficiency and Engineering Education – Briefing Note for Engineering Practitioners and Educators
This document is intended as a preliminary guide to energy efficiency, discussing both interdisciplinary and discipline-specific (specialist) attributes identified as desirable in engineering graduates. It also outlines the knowledge and skills needed to establish these attributes (learning pathways).
Energy efficiency assessment - Bendigo Access Employment
As a result of the recommendations from an energy assessment, Bendigo Access Employment has been reducing energy use across all sites. Measures implemented have included:
- turning off PAs/amplifiers/data projectors located in class rooms, training rooms and meeting rooms when not in use
- increasing the ICT server room temperature from 16 to 18°C
- removing staff personal heaters
Energy efficiency gains reduce electricity use - The Manly Hotel
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.
Energy Efficiency Graduate Attributes Project - Final Report
This project was one of 3 project briefs developed by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism to investigate emergent issues around energy efficiency education in Australia.
Energy efficiency improvements - Alto Hotel
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - CatholicCare Social Services
When CatholicCare Social Services in Parramatta looked at the results of an energy assessment, it was obvious there was potential to save money. The top 5 opportunities for change would cost $12,000 to implement, but save $3000 a year. The organisation has already implemented lighting sensors and timers, and is planning to replace its HVAC Chiller units.
Energy efficiency improvements - Generations Church
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - Hidden Valley Cabins
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - Indulge Chocolates
At Bendigo’s Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates, energy efficiency improvements began with behaviour change: at night, all lights are switched and electric hot water is unplugged. Next, the owner installed light emitting diodes (LEDs), an energy-efficient refrigerator, never ran the air conditioner at less than 25°C degrees, and used excess heat from machinery to replace the store’s reverse cycle heater in winter. These combined actions mean that despite the business growing 20% in the last 4 years, its energy consumption has stayed still; a cost saving of $1600 per annum.
Energy efficiency improvements - Keech Australia
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - Kith and Kin
Townsville’s Kath and Kin Association provides opportunities for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and people with disabilities.
Energy efficiency improvements - Mandurang Nursery
At Goldfields Revegetation, a specialised plant nursery in Victoria’s Mandurang, the owners had a goal of reducing the company’s energy consumption by 30%. An energy assessment proved up to 70% savings were possible, and would save the company $6000 per annum. Reductions came from: replacing 50W halogens with energy efficient 35W halogens; installing motion sensors on external flood lights; fitting a timer to the electric hot water system; installing 1.6kW solar PV system; and numerous behaviour changes.
Energy efficiency improvements - Mercy Services
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - Newcastle French Hot Bread
Newcastle French Hot Bread, a busy bakery and café in Newcastle in NSW, used an action plan to gradually implement the improvements suggested by a local energy assessor. Changes included maintenance and repair of seals on oven doors, using an off-peak timer for the electric hot water system, and separating lights to different circuits, allowing for zoning. A bill analysis also showed they’d been overcharged by their energy retailer: working via the Ombudsman recovered the business $30,000.
Energy efficiency improvements - Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - St Ambrose Church
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.
Energy efficiency improvements - The Chocolate Lily B&B
The owners of the Chocolate Lily Sustainable Stays B&B in Sedgwick wanted to incorporate as many energy efficiency practices as possible into their property. They significantly reduced their heating, cooling and energy costs by: installing low energy CFLs; installing R3.5 insulation; fitting double glazing windows; using a heat pump to provide hot water; installing a 3.32kW solar PV system; using solar to heat the outdoor pool; and using 100% Green Power for top-ups.
Energy efficiency improvements - The Ship Inn
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.
Energy Efficiency in Government Operations - An analysis of the Australian Government's Green Lease Schedules
Energy Efficiency in Government Operations (EEGO) aims to reduce the energy consumption of Australian Government operations with particular emphasis on energy efficiency in buildings. Find detailed information about the analysis of the use and effectiveness of the Australian Government's Green Lease Schedules in the report below.