Office energy efficiency
Commercial office buildings in Australia spend around
$4 billion each year on energy and produce around
13 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. It is important to the future of our environment that this sector actively works to decrease the emissions before it is too late.
The 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative encourages and engages tenants to increase their energy efficiency through a range of simple measures.
The easiest ways to improve energy efficiency are often inexpensive and save money without compromising your office productivity. You will cut your energy bills and make your office a more appealing and productive place to work. What's more, you'll be helping to save our fragile environment.
Businesses who commit to the Initiative receive the support and shared knowledge of the other Signatories.
Energy efficiency - is easy
Through their 3CBDs Commitment Signatories achieve significant progress in the application of energy efficiency.
By implementing a range of innovative energy efficiency measures Signatories significantly reduce their impact on the natural environment, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Feedback from the Signatories is that whilst easy to implement, many activities result in substantially increased energy efficiency and cost savings. Examples include:
- lighting upgrades including occupancy sensors, zoning, dimming switches and timers
- conversion of desktops to laptops
- CRT monitors to flat screen monitors
- using energy efficient office equipment (e.g. ENERGY STAR® rated)
- turning off equipment each night at the power source
- activating sleep mode on equipment where possible
- installation of shading and blinds on windows
-
installation of ‘on demand’ hot water heater switches.
Tenant Energy Management Handbook
Signatories receive the Tenant Energy Management Handbook at no cost. Produced by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the handbook is the first comprehensive guide to effective and profitable energy management for tenants in commercial office buildings.
It contains a wealth of information and resources that will help you improve the greenhouse performance of your premises, reduce energy use and costs and achieve your 3CBDs Commitment.
Organisational involvement
A well-designed building can perform badly if employees are not energy conscious, so it's important to engage with staff from the outset. Ensure they are continually motivated to support your energy management plan by keeping them informed and involved in the process, and emphasising individual responsibility for energy efficiency outcomes.
Getting management buy-in for projects can sometimes be difficult, especially if actions are likely to require capital outlay. The challenge of financing an energy efficiency upgrade should not deter you from initiating one - you can consider Energy Performance Contracting and cover your project costs with guaranteed savings.
3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative - support
The 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative team is available to assist and encourage tenants to increase their energy efficiency, and actively works with the Signatories to enable them to meet their 3CBDs Commitment.
Resources
Energy tips for small commercial tenants (PDF 48kb)
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