Switch It Off 2

Time For An Update 2

Turn off systems when rooms are not occupied. By switching off appliances that are not in use a substantial amount of energy can be saved. You can encourage “switch-off” behaviour by placing reminders near switches.

CASE STUDY: LOGAN & ALBERT HOTEL

Action Estimated Savings in Energy Annually

Implementation of a “Turn-off” Policy $8,701

3

Out with the old and in with the new! When a fitting or appliance has reached its use-by-date replace it with more efficient models. For example, you can replace inefficient incandescent and halogen lights with energy-efficient lighting.

CASE STUDY: STRADDIE BUNGALOWS

Action Estimated Savings in Energy Annually

Replacing lighting and air-conditioning systems with more efficient models

$40,529

Investigate 1

One of the most important tips to reducing your energy costs is to investigate. Conduct a thorough analysis of your electricity bill and find which appliances use the most energy. This will allow you to make informed decisions about what energy efficient measures suit you and your business and develop an effective plan. If you aren’t sure about how to audit your energy consumption and find solutions to reduce it, please contact a professional for assistance.

Get Staff Involved 7

Make the Most of It 5

Make the most of the energy you use. You can limit the opening of oven doors and use flat-bottom saucepans. Use fans in rooms to increase the efficiency of central air-conditioning. Ensure you have a full load when washing linen or dishes.

CASE STUDY: GO WEST TOURS

Encourage your employees to think about energy use and ways to do things more efficiently. Ask them what they think would work, and have them take responsibility for some of the energy savings. You can educate your chefs or drivers to adopt more energy-conscious cooking and driving styles. Getting your team to ‘buy-in’ to saving energy is crucial if you are to achieve results.

Action Estimated Savings in Fuel

Staff training in fuel-efficient driving 15%

Maintain 6

Poorly maintained equipment can add a substantial amount to your electricity bill. Have your equipment cleaned and checked for leaks regularly to increase equipment efficiency and avoid high replacement costs.

Just Right 4

Try to make the temperatures of your heating and cooling systems ‘just right’. Adjust the temperature according to the season (Set the temperature a little higher in summer and a lower in winter). Hot water systems are also a culprit of being set too high, 60° Celsius is all your hot water system needs to be.

CASE STUDY: LUSCIOUS DELI BAKERY & CAFE

Action Estimated Savings in Energy Annually

Adjusted the temperature of their air-conditioner $6,100

(Including savings with other initiatives) Re-calibrated fridge and freezer

temperatures

Invest Smart 10

If you are willing to invest a little more money in reducing your costs, make sure you invest in innovative technologies that suit your business. A few examples are the installation of sensors, timers and automatic controls for lighting and air- conditioning and solar panels. These sort of systems will allow for consistent energy savings without compromising the holiday experience.

CASE STUDY: HIDDEN VALLEY CABINS

Action Estimated Savings in Energy Annually

Installed Solar Panels $4,500

Be Natural 9

An effective way to reduce your energy costs is to not use energy at all. Make the most of natural light and position public spaces to make the most of these available light sources. Open windows and doors to allow for natural breezes to flow through and encourage customers to be natural in their lighting and cooling.

Communicate 8

It is important to take a holistic look at your business and who in the community you are connected to. An important connection is that with your suppliers. Talk with your suppliers and find out ways to cut down your energy costs together. Make partnerships with local businesses to avoid ‘food miles’. Take advantage of your efforts in energy efficiency by involving the community and market them to the public but be careful of ‘green washing’.

CASE STUDY: FISHES AT THE POINT

Café Uses Cooking Oil

Used Oil Powers Boat Fisherman Supplies Fish