Focus | EECA Business
How energy efficient are you? By understanding how to better manage energy through energy saving technology, renewable energy and changing staff practices, businesses can significantly improve their performance. Including transport fuel costs, firms in New Zealand spend around $8.5 billion each year on energy. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) estimates that together New Zealand businesses could save $1.6 billion of this through energy efficiency. “That’s not small change in anyone’s language,” EECA Business general manager Ian Niven says. “We know what matters to a business is a strong, competitive position. Running a business that is as profitable and productive as it can be is the key to success.”
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Investing in improving the way your business uses energy is one of the most effective ways of raising productivity. Improving energy efficiency is a low risk investment with savings that go straight to your bottom line, but the benefits don’t end there.
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He says good energy management delivers on these goals. EECA Business provides independent, authoritative advice to New Zealand businesses so they can boost productivity through energy efficiency.
“At EECA Business we work with businesses to help them make the most of their energy related opportunities.” Depending on business sector and size, EECA Business offers funding, account management and information that makes starting and building on a successful energy management programme that bit easier. “Investing in improving the way your business uses energy is one of the most effective ways of raising productivity. Improving energy efficiency is a low risk investment with savings that go straight to your bottom line, but the benefits don’t end there. 72 | June/July 2013 www.canterburytoday.co.nz
Energy efficiency delivers for businesses on many levels,” Ian says. For example, heavy vehicle fleets that undertake a fuel efficiency programme can save tens of thousands in diesel costs every year and reduce their greenhouse emissions by thousands of tonnes of CO2. “Reduced speeds mean lower maintenance bills while their drivers have fewer accidents, are safer on the road and are more relaxed after their shift. Helping New Zealand meet the challenge of climate change through reduced emissions improves morale and staff engagement,” he says. For businesses who are considering putting some skin in the game, EECA Business offers grants to help make the decision to invest easier. “Cost savings generated through energy efficiency can be invested in other areas like new plant, equipment or product development.” EECA Business offers grants that part-fund energy efficiency projects across a wide range of sectors, from heavy industry through to commercial buildings and agriculture. “We are particularly interested in projects that can deliver significant energy savings and reduce carbon emissions, including renewable and bio-energy projects,” Ian says. No matter what business you’re in, EECA Business can help you make the most of the energy you use. “From efficient lighting, to motorised systems and getting staff onboard, you might be surprised at how many ways you can save energy and reduce costs,” he says. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority works with New Zealanders at home, at work and on the road to help them make better energy choices.
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Using renewable energy may improve your brand and company reputation – research shows more than a quarter of New Zealanders make purchase choices based on a company’s environmental and social profile.
looking for products and suppliers with strong environmental policies and smaller carbon footprints. As large corporates start implementing sustainability policies to reduce their carbon emissions, they in turn start requiring better environmental performance from companies that supply them. If your business can demonstrate good environmental practice and progress on reducing carbon emissions, you’re likely to have a stronger competitive position.
Who’s right for the job?
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Taking charge of an energy programme requires wide ranging skills. A good energy manager or coordinator may have an engineering, technical, accounting or administration background. Being able to gain the respect and buy-in of others across the organisation is key.
Is it a full time job?
Only organisations spending a substantial amount on energy can usually justify a full Even if you don’t think that is important, by time energy manager. In most businesses aiming to reduce your carbon footprint you the position is part time and one of several can also save money. responsibilities. But no matter how small the Renewable energy energy bill, it is vital that responsibility Engaging and training staff is specifically delegated and included in a in business Fifty percent of the energy used in commercial job description. Businesses looking to reduce their carbon buildings is under the direct control of the footprint may wish to investigate using What do they need renewable energy such as wood or generating people working in them. An enthusiastic workforce that looks out for energy waste, their own renewable energy. to succeed? and proactively saves energy, will help deliver For properties unconnected to the local lines The energy coordinator will be effective only savings to the bottom line. network, such as remote farms, generating if they have the time and resources to do the your own renewable energy may make more If you’re embarking on an energy efficiency job. Ideally they could have a percentage of programme in your business, one of the sense than paying for a connection. their time allocated to focus on energy issues. first steps should be to look at how you can They are also more likely to succeed if they’re Using renewable energy may improve your best engage your staff to help. Think of it as supported by a team or committee that can brand and company reputation – research harnessing your people power. offer different expertise (e.g. marketing, shows more than a quarter of New Zealanders finance, HR, procurement). make purchase choices based on a company’s Put someone in charge. environmental and social profile. Any plan or programme to manage energy To find out more about the information, should have someone accountable for its Why reduce your resources, advice and funding available successful delivery. Appointing someone to carbon footprint? visit www.eecabusiness.govt.nz, email the role - or making it a formal part of an existing employee’s job - shows commitment business@eeca.govt.nz or follow @ Many customers, including those in EECAbusiness on Twitter international markets, are increasingly on the part of management.