22/07/2005 - Australian
Government agencies have cut their energy
use by 15 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions
by 11.5 per cent since 1997-98, saving taxpayers
about $30 million every year, the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, said today.
Energy consumption or intensity has fallen
in nine out of 12 categories of energy use
since 1997-98. The amount of energy used in
government offices has dropped by 36 per cent
per person.
The energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions of 121 government departments and
agencies are detailed in the report Energy
Use in Australian Government’s Operations
2003-04.
“These results show it is possible to help
the environment and to save money at the same
time – simply by being smarter energy users.
Reducing energy use is a practical and financially
rewarding step that all Australian organisations
and households can take,” Senator Campbell
said.
During 2003-04, energy consumption only increased
by 0.45 per cent at a time when several agencies
significantly expanded their operations in
response to government priorities. The expansion
of infrastructure for Defence and CSIRO, in
particular, resulted in a temporary overall
increase in energy use. This infrastructure
included new radar systems and research laboratories.
The agencies are applying best practice energy
management in their operations, ensuring their
energy efficiency continues to improve over
the long term.
“Our Government will continue to show leadership
in reducing energy consumption through the
development of a new energy policy for government
operations. We have also developed the ESD
Design Guide for Australian Government Buildings,
which gives practical advice for agencies
on how to minimise the environmental impact
of their buildings and operations,” Senator
Campbell said.
Developed primarily for government buildings
and operations, the guide will be equally
valuable for those involved in designing and
constructing commercial property. It is the
first in a series of guides on the benefits
of environmentally sustainable buildings.
Using examples from some of Australia’s landmark
buildings, the guide shows how to make changes
that reduce environmental impact, provide
better social spaces and improve the business
bottom line.
For example, the first office building in
Australia to commit to a 5-star energy rating,
30 The Bond in Sydney, achieved a 30 per cent
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when
compared to a typical office. Also, Melbourne’s
CH2 building, which is naturally cooled at
night when heat accumulated during the day
is released, will lead to savings in energy
costs of around $1.2 million a year.
“Governments, as well as industry and business,
must begin to implement more environmentally
responsible building practices, and through
these initiatives the Australian Government
is helping to lead the way.”
