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LGP Energy Consulting


“Save money and the environment through more efficient use of your energy and resources.”


How do measures to mitigate climate change affect my organisation?

Since the early 1990s world governments have slowly come to understand and acknowledge the potential dangerous effects of climate change: that unmitigated emissions of certain gases are likely to see an increase in average global temperature, decreased precipitation in many parts of the world and an increase in the occurrence of severe weather events. Research collated by the International Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that these environmental changes will have serious consequences for biodiversity, human health, governments and private industry.

 

International

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was formed in 1992 during the United Nations Conference of Environment and Development (UNCED) or “Earth Summit” in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The Framework is an international treaty with the goal of “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous modifications of the climate system.”

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol (or international equivalent to a piece of legislation) to the UNFCCC aimed at fighting global warming. The protocol was first adopted at the UNFCCC Conference in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997. It then didn’t enter into force until 2005, when it was signed by Russia resulting in signatory countries having a cumulative responsibility for 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By the end of 2009, 187 industrialised has signed and ratified the protocol.

 

National

A number of Government initiatives have been implemented to reduce amount of carbon dioxide emitted by Australian business and industry including:

  • Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act (EEO)

The objective of the Act is “to improve the identification and evaluation of energy efficiency opportunities by large energy using businesses and ... encourage ... cost effective energy efficiency opportunities”. It requires businesses consuming more than 0.5 Petajoules of energy to assess their energy efficiency opportunities and publicly report the outcomes.

  • National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (NGERS)

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 is designed to be “a single national reporting framework for the reporting and dissemination of information related to greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas projects, energy consumption and energy production of corporations.” It was introduced mainly as a foundation for a future emissions trading scheme but also to shape policy and programs and provide information for the public and international reporting obligations while avoiding duplication.

  • Proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)

The CPRS is considered by the Australian Labour Party (ALP) to become the “primary policy tool to drive reductions in emissions...” It is designed to be a cap and trade system where greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters will need to acquire permits for each tonne of GHG they emit. The Scheme was originally intended be implemented in 2011 but earlier this year it was delayed until at least 2013.

  • Mandatory Disclosure of Energy Efficiency (Commercial Buildings)

From July 2010 owners of commercial buildings with an area of 2000m2 or more are required to provide energy efficiency information to interested buyers and tenants. A Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) will be disclosed for the property and will include details of the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and suggestions on how to improve energy efficiency.

 

Financial Incentives

While to government aims to regulate the greenhouse gas emissions from Australian business and industry, it also provided financial assistance in terms of grants and funding. These programmes are usually aimed at innovation in energy efficiency as well as sustainable energy projects.

Funding Currently Available

  • WA Solar Schools Program-provided by the WA Office of Energy

http://www.clean.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/solar_schools.asp

  • Water Smart Australia-provided by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/policy-programs/water-smart/index.html

  • The Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme-provided by the WA department of Environment and Conservation

http://www.zerowastewa.com.au/ourwork/supportschemes/swis/

  • Western Australian Sustainable Communities Grants-provided by the WA Community Foundation

http://www.wacf.org.au/grants.asp

Other funding programmes may be available from Government departments and independent organisations.

Federal

  • Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts

  • Department of Climate Change (DCC).

State

  • WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)

  • Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO)

 

Benefits of Taking a Pro-active Approach

There are a number of benefits for organisations taking a pro-active approach to going beyond legal compliance to implement voluntary environmental programmes such as:

  • Improved operating efficiency;

  • Reduced running costs;

  • Improved reputation and ability to compete with others in the industry;

  • Improved work satisfaction among staff.