Section 7 – Energy Management Policy

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MANUALIssue Date:12 January 2002

Authorised by:Marjorie Dickenson

7.energy management policy

SimuLab is committed to achieving lower and sustainable levels of energy usage in its operations. This provides improved environmental outcomes through indirectly lowering national greenhouse gas emissions, but also delivers better financial performance. This commitment extends to all aspects of energy usage throughout the company, from the use of more efficient motor vehicles in the company fleet, through the purchase of solar water heating systems for the laboratories, to the construction of energy efficient premises when new buildings are constructed or current structures are refurbished.

More specifically this policy covers:

  • Company buildings.
  • Infrastructure.
  • Transport and motor vehicles.
  • Plant and equipment.
  • Purchasing of goods and services.

These goals will be set in line with the NSW Government Energy Management Policy (GEMP).

7.1.Energy Reduction Targets

SimuLab is committed to specific energy reduction targets that will be set and reviewed on a regular basis. The initial goal is to reduce total energy consumption of company premises where cost effectively feasible by:

10% of the 2000 level by 2005, and

20% of the 2000 level by 2008.

Other reduction targets will be phased in progressively as this policy is reviewed.

7.2.Green Power Usage

SimuLab is committed to the use of Green Power (as defined in the GEMP Document) wherever economically feasible. It is hoped that clients and regulatory authorities will see this “good corporate citizen” approach as environmentally responsible.

7.3.Energy Management Strategies

SimuLab will adopt the strategies outlined in GEMP to fulfil its commitment to long-term continuous energy reduction. These strategies as outlined in the policy statement are:

  • A long-term framework.
  • Voluntary programs.
  • Provision of tools to reduce energy consumption.
  • Changes in purchasing and procurement of goods.

7.3.1.Long Term Framework

This is provided to ensure that there is ongoing commitment to energy management and that energy-efficient new assets will be procured. It also ensures that there is no temporal erosion of energy efficiency by the company. Included in this framework are:

  • Assignment of specific responsibilities and obligations for managers, supervisors and other staff with regards to energy management.
  • Benchmarking, setting goals, monitoring performance and reporting performance against benchmarks and goals.
  • A requirement to follow best practice energy management guidelines.
  • A requirement to follow sustainable energy guidelines for new assets.
  • A requirement that all purchasing and procurement policies will reflect the objectives of this policy.

7.3.2.Voluntary Programs

These will encourage sections (through incentives and assistance) to follow sustainable energy practices wherever possible. The NSW government has already set up bodies such as SEDA, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority, to demonstrate the construction of energy smart buildings as an example of this practice. Workers will also be encouraged to adopt similar practices at home where possible through campaigns in the company newsletter such as “buy solar and save”.

7.3.3.Tools

This will include methods such as energy performance contracting, streamlined financing, and the provision of training and resource kits to overcome any barriers to achieving energy efficiency.

7.3.4.Purchasing and Procurement Policies

This will require that energy efficient plant and materials be a criteria for selection when purchasing is required. Unless there is a considerable financial premium, the most energy efficient plant/equipment/goods will be chosen for purchase above other tenders.

7.4.Responsibilities

Energy management strategies will be implemented under the responsibilities and obligations listed below:

  • The prime responsibility for the success of the policy shall lie with the Managing Director and Company Senior Executives. This requires that energy management decisions be included in the company business management.
  • The managing director shall delegate authority to purchase energy efficient plant equipment and materials to managers and supervisors, who will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting energy efficiency performance against policy goals to the managing director.
  • The managing director and senior managers will periodically set new energy management goals. These goals shall be included in the company annual report along with the outline of the company energy management plan. Energy management targets will, wherever possible, use as a minimum benchmark those set by Government authorities. Other company goals should also include:
  • Setting targets for renewable energy as a percentage of total energy.
  • Energy use targets as a performance indicator.
  • The Laboratory Manager shall compare the company’s energy performance against those of similar enterprises, and report this to senior management on an annual basis. This will subsequently be reported to staff in workplace newsletters.
  • All staff shall adopt wherever practicable best practice in energy efficiency by ensuring that energy efficient processes and policies are followed.

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