Energy Smart Government

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A three storey government office in Midland, Western Australia

Energy consumed by Western Australian State Government agencies accounts for a substantial portion of the State Government's operating costs. It also plays a significant role on the impact State Government agencies have on the environment through the emission of greenhouse gases.

On 30 June 2002, the Energy Smart Government initiative was announced by the Minister for Energy and targets were set until June 2006/07.

The initiative is part of a broader plan by the Government to reduce the cost of running government and the environmental impact of energy consumption.

The Sustainable Energy Development Office oversees the Energy Smart Government initiative. However, it is up to Chief Executive Officers of individual agencies to report annual results and ensure program targets are achieved. It is therefore important for energy management to be an integral part of agencies' business management plans.

Role of the Sustainable Energy Development Office

The Sustainable Energy Development Office can assist State Government agencies to meet their Energy Smart Government obligations.

This site provides information and advice about developing and implementing a tailored Energy Smart management program, including establishing an energy management culture and developing an energy management policy and action plan. Information is also provided to assist agencies monitor and report on their energy use, which is a vital component of the Energy Smart Government policy.

Facilitation Grants are available to help agencies identify cost effective energy efficient projects.

The next phase of the Energy Smart Government program

Recognising the potential for energy efficiency and continued savings to the State, phase two of the program is currently being finalised and will be announced soon.

The program is expected to continue, with a number of enhancements that build on the successes of the original program:

Phase two will carry the program forward to 2011/12
Agency energy reporting will continue, with greater encouragement to report at site level. Agencies will also be required to report on renewable energy generation where applicable
Targets are expected to be determined with performance based indicators to more accurately account for agency growth or contraction
Facilitation Grant funding will continue, but with updated guidelines.

SEDO will continue to manage the initiative, providing program administration, technical and reporting support, along with wider sustainable energy advice to agencies.