Streamline

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.

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

Download Business Case Studies

• Dale-Glass Industries (DGI)
• Hardware Products Pty Ltd
• Phang Legal
• M Brothers Pizza Kebab

• Homart Pharmaceuticals

 

Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program

The NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) is helping businesses that use up to approximately $20,000 in electricity a year or have up to about 10 fulltime employees make energy efficiency improvements, through the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program. This program is part of the NSW Government's $150 million Energy Efficiency Strategy. This strategy is helping NSW households, government and business save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 6,000 businesses have already registered and assessments have shown businesses can save an average of $1,400 and 10 tonnes of carbon pollution per year.

Participating businesses get:

• a subsidised energy assessment and tailored energy action plan
• 50% off installation costs up to $5,000 (for businesses using $5,000-$20,000 a year in electricity) and up to $2,000 (for businesses using less than $5,000 a year in electricity)
• coordination assistance by an assessor to install energy saving improvements, at no cost to the business (up to four hours). 

Visit the Save Power website for further information.

Email sustainbus@environment.nsw.gov.au

Call the Environment Line on 1300 361 967

To register complete a registration form and send it to OEH.                  

         

Sustainability Advantage Program

Sustainability Advantage is a business support service offered by the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, aimed at helping medium to large organisations understand sustainability and provide a clear path for improving environmental and business performance.

The benefits of participating in the Sustainability Advantage Program include:

• One-on-one support offered by a team of expert sustainability consultants and cluster facilitator;
• Potential for increased productivity and lower operational costs;
• Enhanced company profile as a sustainability leader and employer of choice.

Businesses participating in the local Camellia-Silverwater-Parramatta Sustainability Advantage cluster include:

• AB Mauri
• Atlas Copco
• Australian Pharmaceutical Industries
• Capital Safety Group
• Coleman Greig Lawyers
• Moore Stephens Sydney West
• Parramatta City Council
• Australian Turf Club (Rosehill Racecourse)
• St George Corporate & Business Bank, Southern Region
• Shield Mercantile
• Transaction Solutions

We are proud to announce that several cluster members were acknowledged for their achievements at the Sustainability Advantage Recognition Event held in June 2011.  Coleman Greig Lawyers have become the cluster's first Silver Partner building on their success of last year's Bronze Recognition. Atlas Copco, Capital Safety Group, Moore Stephens Sydney West and Parramatta City Council were also recognised as Bronze Partners, joining existing Bronze partners St George Corporate & Business Bank and the Australian Turf Club.

For further information:
Contact Leanne Niblock on 9806 5733 or email: lniblock@parracity.nsw.gov.au. Leanne is the Sustainability Advantage Cluster Facilitator for the combined Camellia-Silverwater-Parramatta Cluster. Participating businesses come from several Council areas in Western Sydney and new businesses are encouraged to join.

                     

 

Energy Saver Program

For those businesses that are keen to focus on energy efficiency, the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage is providing subsidised energy audits and facilitation to help businesses identify and implement energy and other resource savings.

This program will help to make businesses more profitable and competitive and allows a company access to Energy Saver Audits and the Resource Efficiency Module of Sustainability Advantage without entering the full program.

Visit the Savepower NSW website for more information.