Streamline

Date: 16/09/2010
Time: 12:00pm

Small business leading sustainable change in Auburn and Parramatta 

More than 60 small businesses in Parramatta and Auburn have slashed 10 per cent off their power bills and are saving almost 400 tonnes of carbon pollution annually, with the support of the NSW Government and local councils.

Through Parramatta and Auburn City Councils' Streamline sustainable business program, in conjunction with the NSW Government's Environmental Trust and Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program, the 64 small businesses are saving more than $75,000 a year on power bills.

Accredited assessors conducted on-site energy assessments for each business, identifying ways to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, lower carbon pollution and reduce costs.

Businesses received a tailored Energy Action Plan detailing low or no cost improvements such as switching off appliances, installing sensor lights and upgrading to more energy efficient technologies.

The NSW Government's Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program provided businesses a subsidy of up to $5,000 to cover 50 per cent of the cost of implementing new efficiencies.

Auburn City Council Mayor, Hicham Zraika, said typical actions to help businesses save energy included relocating cool room compressors, applying heat reflective paint, installing air ventilators and upgrading lighting.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. We are very pleased to support them to save energy and lower costs."

"The combined energy and financial savings achieved will have significant benefits for the whole community," Cr Zraika said.

Parramatta City Council Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Garrard, said the carbon pollution savings of the 64 businesses are equivalent to the annual power use of ten Sydney homes."

"The strength of this program is the collaborative approach between councils, business and the NSW Government," Cr Garrard said.

"Council will continue to support sustainable business initiatives, as they result in improved social and environmental outcomes and economic benefits."

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW) Senior Manager, Mr David Trewin, said energy efficiency is an effective way to reduce carbon pollution and our impact on the environment.

"This joint Program has highlighted that small business will embrace energy efficiency when they are given a modest amount of technical and financial support."

Local businesses that have upgraded to more energy efficient technologies have been delighted with the results.

"The Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program was definitely an eye opener. Our assessor was able to bring so many things to our attention in regards to saving both energy and costs, and then to get a Government subsidy for our efforts, what a great incentive!" George Barakat, The Bite Parramatta

"It is a great Program because it gave us the information to become more energy efficient. We have begun to implement some of the recommendations such as turning off appliances and lights when we don't need them. We are also looking at installing more energy efficient lighting."

Tuan Dang, Manager, Pho Pasteur Vietnam Cuisine

"The clear roofing has provided excellent lighting to the work areas, so we can save electricity on the high bay lights - I also anticipate a positive effect on the both the quality of work and the safety. Together with a cooler office from the insulation installed, the workplace has become a better place to be in. I certainly recommend the Program to other small businesses."

Steve Alexander, Managing Director, Hardware Products Pty Ltd

For interview or media enquiries contact:

Parramatta City Council

Valentina Novak

Communications Officer

T: (02) 9806 5070

E: vnovak@parracity.nsw.gov.au 

Auburn City Council

Madeleine Ralston

T: (02) 9735 1301

E: madeleine.ralston@auburn.nsw.gov.au

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW

Amanda Kane

Senior Public Affairs Officer

P: 9995 6404

E: amanda.kane@environment.nsw.gov.au