Energy Saving Case Studies

For more details, please contact

Village Green Environmental Solutions

[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Extend current environmental initiatives to compete with competitors

Solution:

Introduced new sustainable devices and marketing to differentiate from other cafes.

Achievements:

Electricity use reduction: 28% Water use reduced by more than 20% Small Business Award for Best café in North Shore,

NSW Market and promote a strong brand awareness Competitive awareness and innovation

Background

Bean Drinking is a small business owned by Keith Reay in Crows

Nest, New South Wales. The primary focus of the business is

coffee which led Keith to create tag line, ‘Bean Drinking- Coffee

for serious drinkers’. This coffee based business also serves

meals, and was opened in January 2005.

Keith has successfully expanded his business using the principles

of sustainability. The journey for this small business began when

Keith witnessed the waste associated with disposable cups from

take-away coffee. Around this time, one of Keith’s closest

competitor (a well known highstreet chain who predominantly

serve their coffee in paper cups, even for eat-ins) had introduced

larger sized coffees. Over a period of 6 months, Bean Drinking

received increasing customer requests for the larger size coffee.

To facilitate this request, rather than just implementing larger

take away cups, Bean Drinking introduced a range of reusable

Bean Drinking branded thermos travel mugs, as well as specially

sourced extra large ceramic cups for eat-in customers. The

concept behind the branded travel mugs is that if a customer

brings the cup back they can have 60c off the price of a refill,

thus ensuring less waste (as a paper take-away cup is not used)

and more repeat business (as the discount is a direct benefit to

the customer).

Solution

Bean Drinking has improved its environmental outcomes

across a range of indicators during its participation in Village

Green’s Sustainable Business Management programme.

Firstly, they have reduced the waste within their business and

the waste that leaves their business by introducing the

thermos mug and ensuring that all coffee that is consumed

within the premises uses ceramic mugs. In an attempt to

conserve water Keith placed a displacement device (a 1.25 litre

soft-drink bottle) in the cistern of the toilet in his store. This

enabled him to save at least a litre per flush regardless of

whether it is a half or full flush.

Keith also replaced the 32 energy intensive halogen down

lights with compact fluorescent down lights which saves a

significant amount of electricity and greenhouse gases, not to

mention the $650 saving in the bill in the first year. This makes

the payback period for the lighting changes approximately 8

months.

Keith sees Bean Drinking as having the responsibility of

passing on the environmental and social message that they

practise every day. There is signage in the bathrooms

indicating the water saving measures that are taking place,

and for the other changes Keith has involved his staff heavily

to ensure that they pass the message onto the customers.

Bean Drinking staff also gives out information on how the

process of Swiss-Water decaf works.

Bean Drinking will continue to practice the environmental

innovation and social sustainability they currently undertake.

Bean Drinking

“Coffee is the world’s second most widely

traded commodity and as such its production

has significant environmental and social

impacts in the countries where it is grown and

harvested”

Keith Reay, owner of Bean Drinking.

mailto:[email protected]



[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Work to change business practices in an industry which has static practices

Solution:

Used an unexpected renovation to install sustainable designs

Realised other opportunities for improvement after initial changes were made

Achievements:

50% reduction in energy cost Made positive changes to business environment

without disrupting factory practices

Background

Since 1995, Classic Style has been selling and maintaining classic

and vintage motorbikes. They currently stock the largest range

of classic motorcycles in Australia, specialising in British models.

Jon Munn, owner of Classic Style, was keen to join the VIC 1000

Sustainability Programme as he believed it was a good concept

and a benefit to business to receive advice regarding

sustainable practices. Jon also involved all his staff in the

programme; the more involved they became, the more

enthusiastic they were about the sustainable changes they

made.

Solution

Since being involved in the programme, Classic Style has made

some innovative changes to their business and seen amazing

reductions in energy costs.

A storm early in 2008 damaged the factory roof of Classic Style,

several roof panels were damaged beyond repair. Jon was

planning on replacing the damaged lighting fixtures with new

lights, but instead decided to use natural light and clear plastic

panels were installed. He is amazed at the difference, not only

in the brightness and quality of the natural light in the factory,

but also the reduction in the energy bill. Jon has seen a 50%

reduction in his electricity account as a result! He says that the

factory floor is also a more pleasant place to work and has

changed the atmosphere of the area.

Other changes Classic Style has made includes:

• Halving the number of yellow fluorescent lights and

putting in CFL white lights

• Plans to install a water tank at the back of the building,

collection flow-off from the factory roof

• Introducing a recycling system which included

separating their rubbish and reducing the timeframe of

rubbish collection from weekly to fortnightly

• Replacing the petrol Ute with a gas Ute, reducing green

house gas emissions.

Jon was able to incorporate his staff into the changes; they

discussed the alterations to the building and any other actions

they could take to be more sustainable.

Jon has also spoken about his sustainable actions to friends

with factories. As a result, others are looking to install more

natural lighting instead of electrical lights. Jon also encourages

owners of buildings to look at sustainable practices, as the

payoff is worthwhile, not only for the bottom line but also for

the environment.

Classic Style has shown how they’ve taken their newly gained

sustainable knowledge and used it to their advantage; in cost

reductions and for the benefit of the environment.

Classic Style

The major sponsor of

VIC 1000 is the

Victorian Government

Sustainability Fund; it

is supported by South

East Water and the

Frankston City Council

for this municipality.



[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Live up to community expectations to do business in a

sustainable manner

Solution:

Use the sustainability report recommendations to make

improvements to the business

Multiple changes to the council operations, resulting in lower

costs and behavioural change.

Achievements:

Environmental & Social Award Finalist – Kangaroo Island

Sustainable Business Program.

Energy use and waste output both decreased by approximately

24%

Background

Local Government was formed on Kangaroo Island in the late 1880s and the two

district councils amalgamated to form the Kangaroo Island Council in 1996. Since

amalgamation, the Council has continued to provide a range of services including

infrastructure development and maintenance, waste management, building and

planning services, libraries and in more recent years, community development and

tourism.

Solution

The business participated in the Kangaroo Island-Towards Sustainability program

in 2008. The council staff found that the assessments, reports and the workshops

all proved useful tools for raising awareness of their energy use and the benefits of

‘being green’. The reports in particular were invaluable, helping the council to

identify areas which could be improved. Senior

Managers and the Community Facilities Coordinator

were involved and actively participated in the

program, the council plans to involve more staff who

were away at the time of the program.

The council has made some exciting changes to their operations as a result of the

program. These include:

• Review of and reduction of use in fleet vehicles.

• Increased use of modern fuel efficient machinery

• Timer on hot water heaters modified.

• Spot lights over customer service desk and library circulation desk now

turned off

• Air-conditioner and automatic doors are turned off on fine days,

especially Saturdays when the building is only open for three hours.

• All light bulbs are being replaced with energy efficient bulbs – ongoing

throughout Council’s facilities

• Reduction in waste being produced by office staff, increased amount of

recycling

• Water sprinkler timers in parks and reserves have been kept at

Level 3 water restrictions requirements, despite water restrictions

not at Level 3

• Three new water and energy efficient toilet blocks built for remote

reserves; composting toilets with environmentally friendly design.

Due to the changes made, the council plans on

using the achievements from program to

promote sustainable businesses at the

Kangaroo Island Field Day and other events.

Benefits from these changes have been

gradual and constant; the council would like to continue this trend.

The residents of Kangaroo Island are aware of the council’s actions, through

the local newspaper and promotions such as the Field Day and other

community events. They have had very positive feedback on using low

energy lighting. Due to the Kangaroo Island community generally being

environmentally aware, the residents expect their Council to have good

environmental practices; hence the Council has further plans to reduce

their carbon footprint. These include:

• Further reduction of paper waste from office,

• Promotion of mulching/composting,

• Reduction of vehicle fleet,

• More composting toilets and other ‘green’ community facilities

• Staff training in sustainable practices

Kangaroo Island Council

The major sponsors of the

Kangaroo Island – towards

sustainability program are

EPA SA, KI Development

Board, KI Council, KI

Natural Resources

Management Board and the SA Government.

….a more positive

attitude to recycling

among staff who

have participated in

the program.

When it comes to introducing sustainable

actions into a business, the staff at Kangaroo

Island Council recommends, “Do it - its easier

than you think and keeps you monitoring costs

and outcomes”.



[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Improve on the already impressive initiatives the

company had in place

Solution:

Use the audit to gain greater knowledge on where

improvements could be made

Achievements:

Water tanks installed: 66,000 litre storage

Lighting retrofit

Used recycled building materials during

renovations

Diverting 3 cubic metres from landfill per week

Background

Quiksilver was founded in Australia in 1969. Quiksilver designs,

produces and distributes clothing, accessories and related products for

young-minded people and develops brands that represent a boardriding

heritage. Quiksilver's products are sold throughout the world, primarily

in surf shops, skate shops and other specialty stores.

Solution

Quiksilver’s Australian headquarters in Torquay participated in the VIC

1000 Regional South West program. They decided to be involved as it

was a good opportunity to be assessed environmentally, especially as the

team were keen to be even more sustainable around the office. After the

initial audit, the Quiksilver team found that the report was a great

platform to work from and measure current and future improvements.

They created an environmental team to help engage staff and decide on

the sustainable actions to be acted upon.

One of the main actions was their recycling program, which includes

paper, confidential material, organic, plastics and co-mingle materials.

This program was instigated not just in the office but the joinery as well.

Other actions have included changing lights from halogens to CFL’s,

installing water tanks, including hybrid cars in the sales force car fleet,

and organising community clean up days and revegetation days. The staff

also take part in walk to work and ride to work days.

The Quiksilver headquarters has also had a major renovation, which

included many sustainable improvements. Many of the original building

fabrics and furnishings were recycled, which minimised the waste from

the renovations. Instead of using a broad loom carpet, the company

decided on using carpet tiles, which are fully recyclable at the end of

their use-by date.

The use of natural light was encouraged where possible, such as the

lighting around the perimeter of the building. Also, open-able

windows were installed for fresh air as opposed to relying solely on

air conditioning. A computer operated light and heat screening

system was installed on the roof. This is controlled by temperature

and light sensors – minimising heat gain and loss, whilst maximising

light.

The new fully integrated Building Management system also

included the following:

• Clipsal C-Bus which ensures all lights are isolated when the

building or parts of building are unoccupied and lights are

managed efficiently saving energy.

• The light fittings used throughout are the latest energy

efficient type having T5 tubes which use less power,

produce less heat and are more environmentally friendly.

• All lights used require the lowest energy consumption per

square meter of floor space (surpassing current building

codes of Australia).

Quiksilver has made outstanding changes to their company

headquarters and behaviours, making them a leader in sustainable

practices. They have also encouraged their suppliers to become

more sustainable, including recycled clothing in their range.

Quiksilver are not just talking the sustainable message, they are

living it!

Quiksilver

The major sponsor of

VIC 1000 is the

Victorian Government

Sustainability Fund; it

is supported by

Barwon Water, G21

Partnership Project

and local councils.



[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Harness the company passion to reduce expenditure and GHG emissions and put this into action.

Solution:

Attended workshops and used new ideas to engage and educate other staff

Achievements:

Approximately $3000 in savings on utility bills Implemented many initiatives and involved staff

in the process Gained recognition from wider company for their

green actions

Background

The Salvation Army Employment Plus (TSAEP) has been in Launceston 6

years and recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary nation wide.

Employment Plus assists job seekers with finding work and helps

businesses find the right person for the right job.

The Employment Plus office in Launceston is very passionate about

reducing expenditure and the link to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

fitted well with their passion. The business decided to join the

EcoSmartBiz programme as it was a chance to work on their

environmental actions and network with others in the business area.

Solution

The staff involved in the programme were impressed with the assistance

they received. They felt the workshops were excellent and lots of ideas

came out of these, which were then taken back to the entire staff. The

final report was “a real eye opener”, Mandy De Ruyter, Site Manager,

stated. From this report, Mandy and the team instigated numerous

actions which included:

• Air Con operational during business hours starting 2 hours prior to

open and set at optimum 21 degrees

• Cleaners are in the building during business hours to eliminate

additional lighting expenses outside of hours

• De-lamping of the office space, 70 fluro tube removed. Commitment

to replace T8 with T5 where possible when they expire

• Recycling of plastics and cardboard by introducing co-mingle bins for

use of staff and jobseekers and cardboard boxes taken to local child

care centre for painting and creative activities, instead of straight to

recycling

• Replaced Styrofoam/plastic cups with recyclable cups

• Full flush toilet systems adjusted to half flush.

• Business wear proudly donated by local businesses and TSAEP

staff.

• Turn lights and power points off in rooms when not in use, and

signage to remind staff

• Installed aerators on taps in bathrooms and kitchen for less

water flow and installed timers on electrical goods to turn off

when not in use

• Include education of recycling at training inductions for

jobseekers and educational hints for being kind to the

environment on the back of toilet doors

• All printers set to double sided printing where possible

• Installed organic waste bin to reduce food scraps

• Purchased environmentally-friendly Australian brand

dishwashing liquid.

Due to the amazing effort put in by TSAEP Launceston, the

business has been invited to participate in the Green Policy

development for the entire group nation wide. The CEO,

operations manager and marketing department of TSAEP, have all

been in contact with the Launceston office, due to their impressive

changes. They have also seen a huge reduction in their bills,

approx $3000.

The business has also gained interest from other local businesses

who wanted to join the program, after hearing publicity on the

good work TSAEP Launceston achieved.

TSAEP Launceston are keen to continue influencing the

organisation as a whole by including hints and tips on the

company’s intranet and hopes this will see actions take place on a

national level.

The Salvation Army Employment Plus

The major sponsors of EcoSmartBiz is NRM North, Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Launceston City Council and Cityprom

Left to right. Mandy De Ruyter (Site Manager) and Kristianna Ball (Admin Officer) from The Salvation Army Employment Plus with jobseekers Adam and Jeremy ready for a job interview. Recycled business wear assists jobseekers when they need to go to an immediate interview with an employer.



[email protected]

+61 3 9017 5017

Challenge:

Reduce energy and water usage in a location

where both resources are restricted

Solution:

Use the sustainability program to make

improvements to the business

Monitor water and energy usage

Install energy efficient globes and composting

Achievements:

Economic Award finalist – S1k Sustainable

Business Program

Energy usage decreased by approximately 37%

Water usage decreased by approximately 24%

Background

Graham and Dianne Morris have managed the Wintersun Holiday

Homes and Units at Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island since 2000.

Wintersun includes Baxters House, Hamilton House and two

smaller units for rental. The

accommodation is situation near Kingscote

on the north-east of the island.

Solution

The business participated in the Kangaroo

Island – towards sustainability program in 2008. They could see

the benefits of the program in learning to conserve consumption

on an island in which the residents must be very conscious of

energy and water usage. There was also the benefit of passing on

any environmental measures to their guests and save costs in the

process.

The changes that have been made at

Wintersun have made a significant

difference. Firstly, the hot water services

for the accommodation has been more

closely monitored and adjusted so that the

energy requirements have been reduced.

Waste disposal has been improved to include more sorting of

rubbish and recycling whenever possible. A new area has been

established in the gardens for composting and the guests are

encouraged to use this as much as possible. Lastly, the lighting

within the business has been replaced with energy efficient

globes, which has further reduced the energy consumption and

costs.

Graham and Dianne have put up signage detailing the

sustainable changes they have made and encourage the

guests to follow in their footsteps

The business has certainly seen positive results due to the

changes. Energy usage has decreased by approximately

37% and water by

24% during the

program.

The guests at the

holiday homes have

been very positive

about the new

sustainable practices implemented and have taken note of

signage. As a result the guests have also assisted in reducing

the energy costs during their stays.

Graham and Dianne believe they are almost at the limit of

the sustainable changes they are able to

implement, but they are keen to further

investigate lowering their energy costs even

further. They also want to extend the use

and size of the compost heap. They were impressed by the

simple yet practical methods to reduce consumption and

encourage other business to investigate what other small

businesses are doing to become more sustainable.

Wintersun Holiday Homes & Units has shown that sensible

and easy changes to a business can make a huge difference

to their energy costs and the environment and that these

changes can be passed on to customers.

Wintersun Holiday Homes & Units

The major sponsors of the

Kangaroo Island – towards

sustainability program are

EPA SA, KI Development

Board, KI Council, KI

Natural Resources

Management Board and the

SA Government.

They have found that since the

program, the energy bill has

decreased and as they use

rainwater, it has improved their

water storage and made them

more aware of water

consumption.

Due to Graham

and Dianne’s

enthusiasm,

they were very

successful in

their

achievements.

Energy Saving Case Studies

Environment

Transcript of Energy Saving Case Studies