Published: The Daily Telegraph Date: 4 October 2010
Joe ... saving power.
Source: DECCW
No matter the size of the company, there's always room for improvement when it comes to energy efficiency.
Naturally there are big differences in power consumption between, say, a manufacturing company and an office-based enterprise, but inevitably savings can be made.
Switching to compact fluorescent lighting, for example, can cut electricity use for lighting by up to 75 per cent. Save more by turning off computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers and non-essential lighting outside business hours.
Since Joe Glass of Dale-Glass Industries, a manufacturer of timber products in Silverwater, joined the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW)'s Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program, he has invested more than $4000 in improving energy efficiency.
Interestingly, he expects to save around $1800 p.a. and has now had his Dungog operation assessed as well.
He says it made sense to extend his commitment: "Ultimately, it will save us money. I don't know how long it will take, but it doesn't matter because I intend to be in business for a long period of time."
His assessor advised Mr Glass to reduce the energy settings on the factory's air compressors to the minimum necessary to complete jobs. Sound advice, since air compressors often generate more pressure than necessary. Faulty machines are even more of a problem. According to the Save Power website – savepower.nsw.gov.au – fixing air compressor leaks can cut electricity use by up to 50 per cent.
Mr Glass embraces progress. "When I see the changes we've made with relatively little effort in the Silverwater operation, I think: 'What else can I do?' It's the excitement of doing it, not just that it's a wise business move.
Phang Legal
Ern Phang owns Phang Legal, a small law firm based in Parramatta taking part in the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program.
Mr Phang says the initiative has helped create an energy conscious culture: "Just doing this program and having the electricians around has made everybody more mindful of electricity usage.
Before, when everybody left the office, I'd go around and turn things off. Now people are doing it themselves. Everyone is taking more ownership of their energy usage."
Phang Legal's energy assessor developed an Energy Action Plan for the firm and Mr Phang is choosing to go ahead with changes costing around $4000.
The NSW Government will cover $2000 of the cost, paid directly to the installer to help with cash flow, and the upgrades will save the business $225 a year on bills.