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DETAILED REPORT: A surprising analysis of Victorian Electricity Consumption & Demand

DETAILED REPORT: A surprising analysis of Victorian Electricity Consumption & Demand

Bruce Rowse investigates Victoria’s electrical energy consumption and demand data. This is an extremely in-depth article from the CarbonetiX director. Bruce’s independent research finds there is a need at the political level to recognise a new energy paradigm and take on the vested interests that have unreasonably increased electricity charges. He identifies a need to claw back the unjustified price increases already in

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Queensland Smart Energy Savings Program

Queensland Smart Energy Savings Program

All Queensland businesses who consume 30TJ (terra joules) or more of electricity and gas per year are required to under take an Energy Audit and prepare an Energy Savings Plan.

This roughly equates to yearly gas and electricity costs of above  $700,000.

The required plan must contain a minimum of one energy efficiency measure, one energy conservation measure and one energy management measure.

These measures are designed to ensure cost-effective reductions in energy costs are being pursued, which will benefit both the organisation (by saving money) and the environment (by saving carbon).

CarbonetiX have been providing large businesses with energy efficiency solutions since 2001.  Our team are fully qualified to undertake the required level 2 energy audit under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3598:2000.

Further, our staff will turn this audit into an appropritate Energy Savings Plan that suites your budget.

Organisations with a well prepared Energy Savings Plan can cost-effectively save 10-30% on gas and electricity.

Any Queensland organisation that needs an Energy Audit or Energy Savings Plan under the Smart Energy Saving Program should speak to an energy efficiency engineer.

CarbonetiX
PH 1300 311 763
info@carbonetix.com.au

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VIC Government is Scrapping 2020 Emissions Target

VIC Government is Scrapping 2020 Emissions Target

On March 27th 2012 the Baillieu Government in Victoria announced they would be scrapping Victoria’s 2020 emissions target.

The target was introduced in the Climate Change Act 2010 and called for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (on 2000 levels).

The decision was made after the independently prepared Review of the Climate Change Act recommended the target be abandoned.

In response to the review, the Government said:

“The Government … accepts the Review’s findings that, in light of the national carbon price, State and Territory
Governments need to reduce their role in emissions mitigation and instead focus on managing and adapting to climate risks and supporting their economies under a carbon price.”

The independent report said that pursuing the original target would cost Victorians $2 billion.

Victoria will now operate under the Commonwealth target of 5% emissions reduction by 2020 and will no longer be a national leader in climate change targets.

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, says he’ll now work with the Federal Government to see what other state based climate change programs should be maintained.

He’s refusing to say which state initiatives will be scrapped in the future.

See also: 76 Percent of Victorian’s Want Government Action on Climate Change
Source: Government response to Climate Change Act Review

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Review of Climate Change Act: Have Your Say

Review of Climate Change Act: Have Your Say

With submissions due on 28 November 2011, the “Review of Climate Change Act” is your chance to get your voice heard on Victorian state government climate change policy.

The Climate Change Act 2010 commits Victoria to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions based on 2000 levels.

Clearly the peer-reviewed scientific consensus is that we need to urgently reduce emissions. With the review of the Act state government may remove the 20% target, opting to simply align Victoria with the national 5% target.

An aggressive Victorian climate change target responds to the moral imperative to reduce emissions and also supports Victorian green-collar business.

I’d encourage you to voice your support for a large reduction in Victorian GHG emissions. Visit this page for more info on how you can be heard on this most important issue.

http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/home/review-of-climate-change-act

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Victoria’s Solar Payback Drop Off

Victoria’s Solar Payback Drop Off

The Victorian Government has announced a reduction in the payments to all solar owners who feed surplus energy back into the grids.  As of January 2012, a transitional rate of 25 cents will be given for each kilowatt.

This reduction of 35 cents (more than 50%) will reduce the benefits households with solar panels currently receive.  The move has been a long time coming as the Victorian incentive structures surrounding solar panels moves to a more financially sustainable level.

The Minister for Energy and Resources, Michael O’Brien, has been quick to compare Victorian policy to other states.

“Unlike many other states, which have closed down all feed-in tariff schemes, Victoria’s TFIT will provide a fairer, more sustainable approach which reduces the boom/bust cycle for the industry,” said Mr O’Brien.

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MAV – Victorian Local Government Guide to Reducing Carbon Emissions

MAV – Victorian Local Government Guide to Reducing Carbon Emissions

The intent of the Guide is to provide councillors with an introduction to emissions reductions and to guide councils to make informed decisions regarding their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction options, obligations, and reporting requirements.

For more information on your obligations as well as savings opportunities available to your council, speak to a CarbonetiX staff member today.

Call 1800 311 763

Link: http://www.sustainability.mav.asn.au/content/upload/files/publications/The_Victorian_Local_Govt_Guide_to_Reducing_Carbon_Emissions.pdf

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Latest Spec Solar LED Street Light

Tony Brittain of Solar Lights Pty Ltd has recently installed a number of solar powered street lights for use in remote areas with no mains power. A number were recently installed along a local government walking trail, as shown in the photo.

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VIDEO: AGIC National Sustainability Rating System

AGIC is soon to announce the first draft of the National Sustainability Rating System for government infrastructure.  The scheme is designed to provide a national framework for sustainability assessment of infrastructure in the development, construction and operation stages.

Organisations who submitted an expression of interest are already being selected for trials of the program.  Those who have not submitted an EOI can still be part of the round 2 trials.

Participating in a pilot trial is an excellent way for your organisation to gain familiarity with the new rating tool; to promote its use within your organisation; and to help shape the final rating tool.

[youtube_video id=n6w_7eP9sGg width="560" height="349"]

For more information or to participate in the trial visit: http://www.agic.net.au

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