Over the last few months I’ve interviewed a range of leaders in organisations that have significantly cut their energy use, asking them how they have achieved their energy savings.
Those interviewed include Peter Dormand from Newcastle City Council, Stuart Nesbitt from Darebin City Council, Andreas Kammel from Toyota Australia and David McInnes from Linfox, among others.
Reflecting on these interviews, I’ve identified five things you must have to reduce energy use and carbon emissions successfully.
First, you need leadership commitment. Without which, none of the following will be supported.
Second, you need a measurement and monitoring system.
A recent study published in Forbes magazine showed that companies with the best corporate social responsibility (CSR) results had better measurement and monitoring systems in place than those who didn’t.
The article stated, “Outperformers rank consistently higher in collecting every type of CSR information frequently, or in real time across all major green and sustainability categories, from carbon dioxide emissions and water conservation to ethical labour standards and sustainable procurement.”
Third, you need more than one person being active and driving the program.
The most successful Local Governments have active interest and involvement not just in the environment department but also from other departments, such as facility maintenance, capital works and planning.
Fourth, you need a well informed plan as to what you need to do. If energy audits don’t exist they need to be undertaken. The plan needs to be regularly reviewed to see that the savings are as expected.
Fifth, you need investment – investment in staff (eg a hands on dedicated energy efficiency officer with a technical background), in technology (eg lighting upgrades), in measurement and tracking systems, in engagement and training, and in expert services (eg HVAC optimisation).
*Bruce Rowse, energy efficiency engineer, is Director of CarbonetiX,
an engineering consultancy specialising in carbon reduction.
Contact Bruce via his blog at www.carbonetix.com.au/blog
