Episode 14 :: Low cost ways to save energy
The Novotel hotel in Ellerslie was the first in the chain to undergo an energy audit. It found several low-cost ways to save energy, including motion sensors for lighting and devices to manage hot water use. All the measures implemented paid for themselves within a year. All Novotel hotels in New Zealand now have energy-saving programmes as well as silver certification under the Green Globe environmental certification scheme.
EECA’s experience working with companies that have energy audits, show that typically 10% of energy can be saved through no- and low-cost changes – i.e. actions that will pay for themselves within a year.
The Novotel hotel in Ellerslie was the first in the chain to undergo an energy audit. It found several low-cost ways to save energy, including motion sensors for lighting and devices to manage hot water use. All the measures implemented paid for themselves within a year. All Novotel hotels in New Zealand now have energy-saving programmes as well as silver certification under the Green Globe environmental certification scheme.
Read the Novotel case study
Low-cost changes
Many of the most common areas of energy consumption can be controlled and reduced with little or no up-front cost. There are low-cost ways to cut the energy used by lighting, equipment, heating and air conditioning, hot water and transport.
Read these for more energy saving ideas:
Saving energy at work – lighting
Saving energy at work – office equipment Saving energy at work – heating and cooling Saving energy at work – transport Saving energy at work – involving staff
Download ‘switch off' posters to put up around your business
Energy audits
For many companies, an energy audit is the best way to kick-start an energy management programme because it delivers comprehensive, independent advice on where the energy savings are. While a lot of energy can be saved through a common-sense approach and behaviour change, it often takes an energy expert to locate the worst areas of energy waste and recommend the most cost-effective way to tackle it.
EECA’s analysis shows that for every $1 invested in an energy audit, typically $7.50 worth of savings are identified. Most companies can save on average, 20% of energy costs:
- 10% through no and low-cost changes (payback of 12 months or less)
- 10% with some investment (payback of 1 – 5 years).
Find out more about energy audits Find out whether your business could qualify for an EECA energy audit grant Find an energy auditor
Energy saving in tourism
Tourism-related companies often have a lot to gain from energy efficiency and / or renewable energy, as overseas consumers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact. As a result, the sector has been in the advance guard of New Zealand businesses tackling energy efficiency.
The Tourism Energy Efficiency Programme is a joint initiative between EECA and the Tourism Industry Association. It involved mentoring a number of businesses through an energy audit and saved participating companies an average of 15% in energy costs.
Find out more about the Tourism Energy Efficiency Programme Read case studies about tourism businesses that are saving energy and money
Make saving energy part of a formal programme for the whole business
For help with your energy planning and management, download our free guides - Setting up an energy management programme (Part 1) and Key aspects of implementing an energy management programme (Part 2).
