Published: The Daily Telegraph Date: 20 September 2010
Darren Brass of the Narooma Motel YHA.
Source: DECCW
Businesses taking part in the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program are finding talking about the initiative with customers, clients and staff is a great way to share ideas, create loyalty and increase employee motivation.
Darren Brass of the Narooma Motel YHA on the NSW South Coast, who had a smart meter installed last Friday, says he is introducing signs to keep guests informed: "It's important to tell guests what we're doing and to educate them as well. We are putting a sustainability notice at reception so they can see we've now got stage one of our solar energy program complete."
He says having an energy-conscious clientele is a bonus: "We also invite suggestions from them, because some of the clientele we get are from overseas. I believe we are behind in some of the sustainability things they do. Some Europeans are quite advanced in what they're doing or what their councils and state governments are doing."
On the other hand, he says, some guests need to learn: "Some people run water as though they've got all the water in the world. They come here and we are trying to save a valuable resource. They need to be made aware of that - so definitely education for guests is good!"
Goodall Quality Meats
David Goodall, owner of Goodall Quality Meats in Merimbula, says customers like to know what's going on: "I'm telling customers what we're doing. They know I've had a consultant come round and tell me to make changes and that I've initiated some of them. I'm definitely getting positive feedback."
Dale-Glass Industries
Joe Glass of Dale-Glass Industries, a manufacturer of timber products based in Silverwater, says all 12 members of staff know about the company's involvement in the energy efficiency program.
He says interest has grown as employees have started to see results: "Installing skylights [in the factory roof] had a great impact, because it was such an enormous visual effect. You walk out there and it's incredible, just like daylight."
He says deciding to get involved was a simple decision: "Once it was outlined and we had discussed whether or not it was worthwhile, we looked at the numbers. We looked at how much it was going to cost and what sort of return we would get over what period. Initially, it seemed to be up to five years which wasn't bad but now it looks like it will be even quicker."