When it comes to reducing our energy consumption here at the SBN, I’m prepared to make some tough sacrifices. Except when it comes to the office coffee machine. (Well, I’ve got to maintain my own energy levels!)
Energy’s a significant input cost to any business. But did you know that you could save a fifth of that cost by taking steps to run more efficiently?
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) estimates that a staggering $2 billion could eventually be saved each year across our private sector. Energy efficiency is also one of the cheapest ways to cut carbon emissions – and if you’re an exporter, not only is the value of lowering your carbon footprint huge, it’s becoming more imperative for Kiwi businesses!
Mike Underhill, chief executive of EECA is strong on the bottom line benefits to New Zealand businesses. He quotes the figure that every dollar invested in an energy audit brings a return of $7.50 in savings. “We’ve worked with a lot of businesses that have gained a competitive edge by saving energy. And we’re working closely with export-driven sectors – such as dairy and wine production – that need to prove their carbon credentials in global markets,” he says.
Improving your energy efficiency can be one of the simplest and most cost effective strategies to creating a carbon footprint that’s more Cinderella than Ugly Sister.
When it comes to using energy as wisely as possible, there are some common places where energy waste tends to lurk – business lighting is one of the biggies, EECA tells me. Making sure things are switched off – whether automatically or by the humans using them – makes a difference.
But if you plan to make larger changes, or invest in new technology, it makes sense to get an expert or two on board. EECA is helping smaller businesses do this through its ‘Energising Business’ programme that has contracted a range of energy experts throughout the country to help – be it computers, boilers or heavy fleets.
If you run a small business and spend less than $300,000 a year on energy per site, you could get funding of a third of the cost of an energy assessment, and towards investing in the recommended improvements (up to $30,000).
Sounds like a good deal to me. EECA has other programmes targeting specific business sectors – like manufacturing – so it’s worth checking out what’s on offer.
You can find out more at http://www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/
Righto, I’m off to recharge with a double flat white. (And yes, I’ll be turning the machine off when I’m done!)
Is this a paid distribution for eeca business? Initially reading this article, I was interested in this program but when I looked around the site, it seems there are a number of articles from EECA. This made me think that this is not advice or editorial (as presented) but a paid promotion. I wonder about the advice provided by element on this site .. does all of it have an underlying financial benefit for Element? Most blogs will indicate paid promotions and I would suggest this is a better way for element to present the information so to retain the blog-atmosphere and retain their “independent advice” status.
HI – Thanks for your concern here. I want to confirm this isn’t paid advertising for Element by EECA.
For your own information when I write these blogs a key aim is to help people to improve their sustainability performance – so with that in mind I deliberately link to places where readers can get good practical advice. In this case, as an energy focused issue I contacted EECA to get links to their range of support offers. I think EECA does a good job in providing free information to business and SBN refers to them frequently. EECA do get in behind a number of sustainability, energy and renewables projects so it isn’t surprising that you will see articles they have written throughout Element.
Thanks again for getting in touch on this matter.
Rachel