Energy is a key controllable operating cost, and could be as high as 20 per cent of all operating costs (for example, energy intensive manufacturing sector), or as low as 2 per cent (for example commercial sector). If an organisation hasn’t actively managed energy before, there could be savings of up to 30 per cent per annum from a targeted program. As energy is a direct operational cost, savings can therefore convert directly to profits. Managing energy better could result in a direct improvement to business financial performance.
One of the main human activities that contributes to the greenhouse effect is the use of energy. This is because our energy is largely derived from the combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, which results in the discharge of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Using energy more efficiently means that fewer greenhouse gas emissions are generated for the same amount of work done. A number of government programs aim to improve the efficiency of energy use in various sectors, including the industrial, commercial, residential and transport sectors.
There are also lots of other reasons to save energy:
Saving money and concern for the environment are two key issues. It's important to realise that energy efficiency is a balance between energy service and energy supply. As a result, quality and quantity of energy services form an integral part of energy management. This means that energy management is about more than just saving money: it's about getting the best service from your energy usage.
The Energy Efficiency Exchange (EEX)
The aim of the Energy Efficiency Exchange (EEX) is to provide information to businesses and individuals either within or servicing the commercial and industrial sector with the intention of increasing the uptake of energy efficiency technologies and processes. Information provided here is intended for a range of audiences within both the commercial and industrial sectors including energy managers, process managers / engineers, purchasing managers, commercial property managers, executives, technical specialists and other relevant people.
It is intended that over time with industry and business input, this site will be the premier information portal for all businesses in the industrial and commercial sectors wanting to find out about energy efficiency. It contains information on a wide variety of topics and in different forms including:
- Why Manage Energy?
- Setting up an Energy Management Program
- Technologies
- Best Practices and Benchmarking
- Tools and Resources
- Getting Assistance
- Information Resources by Sector
- Case Studies
- Government Regulations and Programs
- Finance
- Useful Links
- News
This site will be most relevant to industry and commerce if it is maintained and updated regularly with current information. The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism maintains this website and appreciates your input. If you have additional links or information or updates, please click the Feedback link below.
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