Welcome to the February 2004 edition of Sustainable Energy Matters.

This is our fourth edition of the e-newsletter since it was first launched in November, 2003. We encourage you to join our mailing list and to give us some feedback. We'd love to know which articles you find useful in Sustainable Energy Matters. At any time, if you've got any comments or suggestions for improvements, please let us know by contacting sem@energy.wa.gov.au

Topics covered in this month's edition include:

- Malaga Businesses Involved In Pilot Sustainable Energy Program
- Rebates For Solar Hot Water Systems
- Lighting Upgrade For Department of Housing and Works
- Community Buildings Using Solar Power
- Energy Saving Advice Available At Home Show
- Building Code Of Australia Energy Efficiency Measures
- Hybrid Solar Car Crosses Australia.

Simply click on the headings below (or the 'More info' link) to view the full article.

Regards,
Rebecca Driscoll
Program Officer, Communication and Marketing

Malaga Businesses Involved In Pilot Sustainable Energy Program

The City of Swan recently provided Malaga businesses with an opportunity to obtain free, on-site, expert assistance to uncover profits hidden in energy and other operating costs. Staff from Curtin University's Centre of Excellence in Cleaner Production undertook telephone interviews with 44 Malaga businesses leading to 23 on-site energy efficiency appraisals across a range of business sectors. The phone calls and follow-up visits were part of a pilot sustainable energy and cleaner production program funded by the Sustainable Energy Development Office Grants Committee. Once completed, the program will be available for use by other local governments and intermediary organisations.  More info...

Rebates For Solar Hot Water Systems

The recent report by the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) Review Panel, Renewable Opportunities, A Review of the Operation of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, could have wide implications for the solar water heating industry. Recommendation 24 from the report would, if adopted, effectively result in rebates for all solar hot water systems, regardless of what they displace – gas, electricity, wood. This would be welcome news in Western Australia because, previously, replacement of our large base of gas and wood heaters were ineligible. It is also less confusing for consumers.  More info...

Lighting Upgrade For Department Of Housing And Works

Jones Lang Lasalle recently undertook a lighting system upgrade on behalf of the Department of Housing and Works at the Department's office building in Derby. It's estimated that the upgrade will result in a reduction in electricity use of 38,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per annum, resulting in a 30% saving in building electricity costs and a saving of approximately 37 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.  More info...

Community Buildings Using Solar Power

A number of photovoltaic (PV or solar) power systems are supplying electricity to community-based buildings throughout Western Australia - thanks to funding assistance from the Community Photovoltaic Rebate Program. Since the program began in January 2000, $130,000 in rebates have been provided, with a significant proportion of recipients being schools.  More info...

Energy Saving Advice Available At Home Show

If you're thinking of building or renovating, or simply looking for ways to save energy around the home, why not visit the Sustainable Energy Development Office's display at the Western Power Ideal Home Show. The show is on again at the Burswood Dome from Friday 27 February to Monday 1 March.  More info...

Building Code Of Australia Energy Efficiency Measures

The Australian Building Codes Board has called for public comments on the proposed changes to the Building Code of Australia to improve the energy efficiency of Class 2,3 and 4 residential buildings. While energy efficiency measures for houses were introduced on 1 July 2003 in Western Australia, the new changes are intended to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings other than houses. Public comments are due by 5 March 2004.  More info...

Hybrid Solar Car Crosses Australia

A team of engineers from Japan recently undertook a journey across Australia in the world's first continental crossing in a hybrid vehicle, combining solar power with a hydrogen fuel cell. The team re-enacted Hans Tholstrup's solar power journey made across Australia 20 years ago.  More info...
 print this page