The Sustainable Energy Development Office has updated its fact sheet on renewable energy generation in Western Australia. The fact sheet is available here.

A new web page has also been created that provides Information on renewable energy development activity in 2007/08. Topics covered include projects that were committed, proposed renewable energy projects going forward and developments that have occurred in innovative technologies: Renewable Energy Development Activity 2007/08

For the first time, independent and Catholic schools throughout Western Australia will have access to the State Government’s Solar Schools program.

For more information: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

More information on the WA Solar Schools program

http://www.solarhouseday.com

On Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September, take a look at some sustainable houses in your area!

Sustainable House Day shows people the benefits of energy efficiency in their homes and provides unique insights into how to achieve those benefits. There is no better way than by talking to people who have already done it. In visiting the houses you can learn from the home owner’s personal experience and talk to architects, builders and designers.

You can find an open house in your neighbourhood by visiting the ANZSES Sustainable House Day 2008 website and clicking on House Locations.

SEDO is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of Sustainable House Day 2008.

http://www.solarhouseday.com

Australian, State and Territory Government Energy Ministers met in Canberra on 13 June 2008 for the 15th Meeting of the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE).

At this meeting, Mnisters noted a report on potential arrangements for implementing a national framework for mandatory energy efficiency measures for industry, including a consultancy report on Potential Mandatory Energy Efficiency Investment Requirements – Cost Benefit Analysis of Program Options (PDF 1.1 MB). These arrangements would mandate the implementation by industry of identified cost effective energy efficiency measures with a three year payback period.

Ministers agreed to defer further work on a national industry mandatory energy efficiency scheme pending the outcome of several reviews currently underway, including the review of complementary measures to a national emissions trading scheme, the Garnaut Climate Change Review and the work of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Climate Change and Water Working Group (CCWWG).

Download document here: Potential Mandatory Energy Efficiency Investment Requirements – Cost Benefit Analysis of Program Options (PDF 1.1 MB)

The State Government has made it easier for businesses to get access to surplus gas with the introduction of an online ‘bulletin board’.

For more information: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Set yourself a weekly goal by deciding on one new activity to focus on and maintain the activity, where appropriate.

For more information: www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Western Australia is leading the country in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in office buildings according to a new Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) analysis.

For more information: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

NABERS is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS rates a building on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment, and provides a simple indication of how well you are managing these environmental impacts compared with your peers and neighbours.

For more information: www.nabers.com.au

State Government agencies have saved more than $13 million in energy costs and avoided greenhouse gas emissions of almost 37,500 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 8,600 cars off the road - over the past five years.

Energy Minister Francis Logan, who tabled the Energy Smart Government report in State Parliament today, said these energy savings had been achieved through a reduction in energy consumption of almost 500,000 gigajoules.

“Energy consumption per full-time employee has reduced by 16.2 per cent since 2001-02 when the Energy Smart Government program began,” Mr Logan said.

“This demonstrates a significant improvement in the efficiency of energy use.”

For more information about the Energy Smart Government report: www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Householders could save hundreds of dollars by adopting a package of energy-efficient practices which have been identified as the most effective for their home.

Energy Minister Francis Logan today released the ‘Top Ten Energy Smart Tips’ which have been developed to assist Western Australians to save energy, save money and save the environment.

More details at: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Energy efficient light globes will replace lamingtons, toffee apples and chocolates as school fundraisers as part of a program to be introduced in some south-eastern suburbs.

Energy Minister Francis Logan today announced State Government funding of $32,500 for a project that includes the sale of 5,000 energy saving light globes at a subsidised price to families in schools across six local government regions.

The Green Light Schools Fundraiser project was being co-ordinated by the City of Gosnells and included the City of Armadale, Shire of Serpentine/Jarrahdale, City of Perth, City of South Perth and the Town of Victoria Park.

More details at: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

The Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club will use a $50,000 State Government grant to incorporate a grid-connected solar system into new clubrooms that will double as a multi-purpose community facility.

Energy Minister and Cockburn MLA Francis Logan said the funding would help create a facility that would benefit the club and the general community.

“The Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club plans to integrate photovoltaic or solar cells into the architecture of a new building,” Mr Logan said.

“The majority of grid-connected solar power systems installed in Western Australia are located on rooftops, rather than integrated into the structures themselves.

“This new facility will act as a sustainable development showcase for the community and schools, demonstrating not only the use of solar power, but also solar hot water, water harvesting and recycling, and the use of recycled materials.

“As well as incorporating this state-of-the-art technology, the facility will be actively educating the community through a purpose-built interpretation centre.”

More details at: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Three community-based initiatives aimed at educating the community on sustainable energy use have attracted State Government funding.

Energy Minister Francis Logan said all three projects were terrific examples of the State Government working with community groups to increase the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient products and practices.

“These three initiatives really emphasise the message of sustainable energy use,” Mr Logan said.

“It is reassuring that community groups are taking this issue seriously and using innovative ways to educate and build awareness.”

More details at: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Albany residents will soon have access to expert advice on how to save energy in their homes.

Energy Minister Francis Logan today announced State Government funding of $50,000 to the Albany Community Environment Centre to teach and train its members to deliver talks to local residents on ways to save energy.

The funding would allow the centre to offer home energy audits, including free audits for healthcare-card holders. Five do-it-yourself energy audit kits would also be available from the Albany Public Library.

Mr Logan, who met members of the Albany Community Environment Centre yesterday, said the new program was a tremendous initiative with widespread benefits.

“It will give the community of Albany access to important, useful and practical energy efficiency advice that they can apply to their homes,” he said.

More details at: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

The number of solar schools in regional areas of Western Australia has doubled, with the latest allocation of funding under the Carpenter Government’s $5.1million Solar Schools Program.

Energy Minister Francis Logan today said another 27 regional schools would receive money to install solar power systems, bringing the total number to 54.

“The Solar Schools Program is being embraced by schools all over the State, with the latest successful applicants coming from as far north as Paraburdoo, as far west as Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie, across the Wheatbelt and down to Albany in the south,” Mr Logan said.

For more details, see: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Project homebuyers will be able to make more informed choices to reduce their impact on the environment thanks to a launch of a new State Government-funded homebuyer’s guide.

The guide is available online at http://www.yourhome.gov.au

Experts to oversee $36.5million fund to reduce greenhouse emissions

The State Government today announced the formation of a new Independent Expert Advisory Group to oversee the first round of funding from the $36.5million Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) Fund.

Environment and Climate Change Minister David Templeman said the LEED Fund was a key initiative of the Premier’s Climate Change Action Statement.

“The LEED fund will provide vital investment in a clean energy future for Western Australia, and in doing so will help reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2050,” Mr Templeman said.

For more details, see: www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

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