The EcoBusiness Energy Assessment Program was carried out in the Western Australian Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo. This provided sustainability assessments for a total of 225 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) using the EcoSmart SME Business assessment methodology. These energy assessments were conducted free of charge for each of the participating businesses. Funding for the program was provided by AusIndustry (Australian Government's business program delivery division in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research), and administered by the City of Joondalup on behalf of all project partners.
The EcoBusiness Program was designed to increase the energy awareness and behaviour of businesses towards more sustainable practices. The key aim of the program was to improve efficiencies in the use of energy, water and transport. This was undertaken by conducting an on-site business assessment designed to empower participants with the necessary information, advice, action plan and incentive to implement best practices and encourage continuous improvements after the program has been completed.
Results of the overall program:
- More than 12 million kWh per year of total electricity consumption was assessed
- Almost 30% of the participants can choose a more competitive electricity retailer
- 60 businesses offset a minimum of 25% of their emissions (27% of confirmed Eco-Businesses)
Identified Savings:
- Energy efficiency savings of 2.2 GWh per year were identified, the equivalent of about $400,000
- About 16,500 tons of CO2-e per year of GHG abatement were identified
Confirmed Savings:
- More than 830 MWh pa of electricity or $145,000 were saved
- 2,061 tons of CO2-e of GHG emissions were abated (9.2 tons of CO2-e per business)
