Climate change and energy saving initiatives for business

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our community, including NSW business.

The NSW Government is working with business to support the transition to a low carbon economy. This includes funding and technical assistance for energy efficiency measures and support for the development of products, processes, practices and programs which minimise carbon pollution or assist adaptation to climate change impacts.

Initiatives to assist NSW business reduce carbon pollution are sponsored primarily through the NSW Climate Change Fund and the NSW Energy Efficiency Strategy.

The partnership between business and government has already delivered substantial environmental and cost savings.

To 30 June 2011, support provided by the Climate Change Fund will help NSW businesses save an estimated 326,000 megawatt hours of electricity, and 358,000 tonnes of carbon pollution. It will also reduce peak demand by 38,000 kilowatts and save $86.2 million in annual energy and water bills.

The state's largest energy users were required to prepare Energy Savings Action Plans under the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987. Businesses and government agencies that use more than 10 gigawatt-hours of stationary energy and local councils with populations of more than 50,000 have prepared Plans in accordance with the guidelines.

They continue to the implement the cost-effective energy savings measures identified in Energy Savings Action Plans.

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The expansion of the Sustainability Advantage Program provides $20 million over five years to expand Sustainability Advantage to 1,000 members and provide a stronger focus on energy efficiency.

This expansion includes the establishment of Energy Saver which will provide subsidies of at least 50 per cent for businesses to undertake detailed energy audits.

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Until 31 December 2012, the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program will provide a 50 per cent subsidy for electricity assessment and matched funding of up to $5,000 for energy efficiency improvements in key areas such as:

• lighting
• heating
• air-conditioning and ventilation
• commercial refrigeration
• hot water
• insulation
• electric motors
• air compressors.

To be eligible, organisations must use up to about $20,000 in electricity per year or employ up to ten people.

From 1 January 2013, the Energy Saver program will offer energy efficiency services for organisations in NSW. This will provide a single point of business support, making it easier for business customers to access government assistance.

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The Energy Efficiency Training Program (formerly known as the Energy Efficiency Training for Trades and Professionals Program) will ensure NSW has the skilled workforce necessary to implement and deliver energy efficient and more sustainable practices in industry, government and the community.

The four-year, $20 million program commenced on 1 July 2009 and will provide energy efficiency training for key trades and professionals such as electricians, plumbers, facilities managers and engineers.

It will also support professional development for educators and will form partnerships with business leaders to implement innovative training and promote this across their sector.

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The NSW Energy Savings Scheme will require electricity retailers to pursue additional energy efficiency measures in households and businesses.

The energy savings target started on 1 July 2009 at 0.4 per cent of electricity sales in NSW and ramps up to 4 per cent by 2014.

Legislation for the scheme was introduced in Parliament in May 2009 and the Scheme started on 1 July 2009.

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