There are simple things you can do to be a climate champion for your workplace and to start a conversation with the business owner about transitioning away from fossil-fuel gas.
Heating and Cooling
Why it’s important
Space heating is the main use of fossil fuel gas in the ACT. Business’ can save money by replacing gas heating with an efficient all-electric option. This is one of the best steps to take to make the switch and help the ACT achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
Taking action
A reverse cycle (sometimes called a ‘heat pump’) is a great option for business and commercial spaces. These appliances:
- use significantly less energy than a heating system, bringing down running costs.
- provide both heating and cooling using one unit.
- much more efficient than an older air conditioning unit.
- produce no emissions when powered by the ACT’s 100% renewable electricity source or a solar system.
- can require slightly higher upfront costs but ongoing running costs make them cheaper over time.
- come in a range of options including ducted, split systems, bulkhead systems, ceiling cassettes – the most appropriate one for your needs will depend on the size of your space and fit out.
- payback periods can be as little as 5 years, and even less if also abolishing a gas connection and annual connection fee.
Support available
- The Business Energy and Water Program provides free expert advice and rebates of up to $5,000 to upgrade to more efficient products. Eligible small-to-medium businesses can apply.
Depending on the building, heating and cooling systems may be shared preventing individual changes being made. Our Business Energy and Water Team can still provide advice on improving business sustainability and reducing energy costs.
Hot Water
Why it’s important
After heating, making hot water is the second highest use of fossil fuel gas in the ACT. Business’ can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing the most appropriate and efficient electric water heater for your business.
Taking action
Alternatives to gas hot water systems are readily available.
An electric-powered hot water heat pump is one of the cheapest and most efficient systems available. They have many benefits, including:
- working very well, even in the ACT’s cold winters when temperatures drop below zero.
- their efficiency means ongoing running costs are cheaper than a gas system. For a business that uses 300 litres per day of hot water:
- a hot water heat pump uses about 1,100 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity costing $380 per year
- a standard electric hot water system about 3,200 kWh, and costs about $1,100 per year.
- a gas hot water system about 13,600 megajoules (MJ) to heat (equivalent to 3,780 kWh) and will cost about $450 per year.
- payback times can be as little as 4-7 years, and even less if also abolishing your gas connection and annual connection fee.
A standard electric hot water heater can also be a viable alternative. However, these are more expensive to run compared to both gas and hot water heat pumps unless using rooftop solar to heat the water during the day.
Business’ may also want to consider a dedicated solar hot water system to harness renewable energy directly.
Support available
- The Business Energy and Water Program provides advice and rebates of up to $5,000 to upgrade to more efficient products. Eligible small-to-medium businesses can apply.
It’s always a good idea to contact the landlord before making any alterations to your physical business premises.
Depending on your building, hot water systems may be shared preventing you from making individual changes. Our Business Energy and Water Team can still provide you advice on improving your business sustainability and reducing energy costs.
Lighting
Why it’s important
Energy-efficient lighting can reduce a business’ energy use and save money. Replacing lighting is often one of the quickest and most affordable ways to improve energy efficiency.
Taking action
Installing LED lamps wherever possible will increase the efficiency of business lighting, LEDs have many benefits, including:
- lasting for up to 6 years of continuous run time.
- using 20-80% less power than fluorescent or halogen lamps.
- radiating less heat than comparable alternatives.
- ability to be dimmed.
- being available in many colours, helping you create a unique look and feel in your business.
Further actions to take include:
- installing sensors in office and staff areas that turn lights on only when people are present.
- ensuring staff turn off all lights when leaving for the evening.
Support available
- The Business Energy and Water Program provides free expert advice and rebates of up to $5,000 to upgrade to more efficient products. Eligible small-to-medium businesses can apply.
- The Lighting Efficiency Webtool has been designed to help business’ check the efficiency of their lighting setup and suggest possible upgrades in just a few simple steps.
Solar and batteries
Why it’s important
If a business mainly operates during the day; electricity costs can be offset with an appropriately sized rooftop solar system. This can support:
- heating and cooling systems,
- hot water,
- lighting,
- refrigeration,
- computers, and
- other equipment.
Taking action
Rooftop solar systems are available in many sizes depending on business energy needs. They allow businesses to harness renewable electricity directly. Solar provides many benefits including:
- Being available in many sizes.
- Small payback periods, between 3-5 years for businesses that primarily operate during the day.
- Excess electricity generated can be sold back into the energy grid, further lowering
A battery storage system allows excess electricity from to be stores for use at night or in an emergency power outage, depending on system specifications. They can also be beneficial in managing peak energy needs by charging up the battery when electricity rates are cheaper and powering business’ during peak, more expensive times.
Support available
