Small Business

General

Energy efficiency tips

Install Power Factor Correction equipment which can reduce your monthly electricity charges and help beat hidden running costs of motors and other inductive loads, such as transformers and ballasts. These capacitors work as silent reactive power 'generators' so the total amount of electricity demand decreases.
Ensure your workforce is aware of, and committed to, your energy management policy or plan. This could include creating an energy management team, encouraging staff to share energy saving ideas, establishing benchmarks or targets and regularly monitoring energy usage.
Undertake a comprehensive energy audit by a specialist. This will not only identify ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but improve your bottom line.
Keep external doors shut, as the hot or cold air outside makes your air conditioner or heater work harder for the same effect. If you think a shut door is a 'turn-off' for your customers, look into installing an automated entry. If you have evaporative air-conditioning, it works better if a small window is left open.

Sporting Amenities

If appropriate, put swimming pool pumps on an off-peak meter, ensuring they are in use when electricity is at its cheapest.
Pool water temperatures general range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. The lower temperature is recommended for competition swimming, but this may be too cool for young children and the elderly. A one degree rise in temperature could cost 10 to 30 per cent more in energy costs, depending on your location. Set your thermostat accordingly.
Turn the temperature down, or turn the heating off, whenever the pool won't be used for several days. This will help save energy and money. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool back up to a desired temperature than you save by lowering the temperature or turning the heater off.
If sporting fields are being used at night, investigate sensors so you are not relying on the users to turn the lights off.
New technology means that you can pass on the costs of lighting to end users, such as sporting clubs. Users will be more likely to conserve energy if the full costs are coming out of their pocket.

Agribusiness

Investigate running pumps, compressors and other equipment on off-peak or time-of-use meters.
Ensure all three-phase electric motors are regularly serviced and are operating at their most efficient.
Use energy efficient lighting and heating for activities such as poultry and pork production.
Use a variable speed pump, water-cooled plate cooler and the right compressor to help save money.
Try a heat recovery system from your refrigerator or compressor to pre-heat water.
New technologies mean that methane from animal manure can be recovered to produce electricity, heat and hot water. You need more than 150 large animals to cost effectively generate electricity, but this could also reduce overall operating costs, offsetting costs associated with sewage, agricultural, or animal waste disposal.
In regard to ventilation, remember that one large fan is usually more efficient than a number of small ones. When two fans have the same blade diameter, the one with the lower horsepower or motor current input rating is usually more energy efficient. If two fans have the same airflow and static pressure capabilities, the one with the lower-speed motor is usually quieter and more energy efficient.

Mining and Manufacturing

Operate furnaces and boilers at, or as close as possible to, design capacity.
Adequately insulate air or water-cooled surfaces, particularly those exposed to furnace equipment. Use proper furnace insulation to reduce wall-heat losses.
Minimise air leakage into the furnace by sealing openings.
Investigate whether furnace exhaust heat can be used in other parts of the manufacturing process.

Water and Waste

Fix dripping taps, damaged hoses and leaky pipes - one leaking tap can waste up to 2,000 litres of water a month. To reduce leaks in taps, turn taps off.
Read your water meter at closing time. Ensure that no water is used overnight. Read the meter in the morning, before any water is used. Compare the figures, if the morning reading is higher then you have a water leak or water leaks that need to be found and fixed.
When cleaning, get staff to use a bucket to wash and rinse where possible, instead of running the taps or hose.
Work with suppliers to reduce packaging on goods supplied. Suppliers may be able to supply goods packaged in reusable or recyclable packaging.
Recycle cardboard, paper, metal, glass and plastic. Use bins with clear signage to encourage recycling. Visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.
Conduct a simple visual assessment on what ends up in your main rubbish bin.
Re-use where possible. Is there a business nearby that could use a material from your bin? Or can you change your processes or patterns to reduce off cuts or bi-products?

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