Award finalists praised for reducing energy costs

Award finalists praised for reducing energy costs

An Auckland hotel and a Te Puke cool storage company, both shortlisted in the 2012 Sustainable Business Network Awards, have been praised for their sound energy management.

Novotel Auckland Airport and Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool Ltd, are the two finalists in the SBN’s Emerging Large Business award, sponsored by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

EECA Business General Manager Ian Niven says both companies paid close attention to improving energy efficiency, which other Kiwi businesses could learn from.

“Reducing energy waste brings numerous business benefits – cutting costs, boosting brand value as well as improved staff comfort and wellbeing. Although they’re in very different sectors, both businesses have taken great strides to improve their energy use, and they’re reaping the rewards.

Novotel Auckland Airport is a good example of a commercial building that has been designed to make the best possible use of energy – increasing productivity through reduced energy costs.

Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool, which received an energy audit part-funded by EECA in 2007, has also improved productivity through energy management and has cut its carbon emissions significantly through staff carpooling.

“Both have an excellent approach to energy use, and EECA is delighted to be supporting their efforts,” he says.

• Novotel Auckland Airport was designed to optimise energy efficiency, including double-glazing and self-shading. A heat exchange system takes waste heat from air conditioning chillers to pre-heat domestic hot water, significantly reducing hot water energy consumption. Lights and fittings are energy efficient, with occupancy and daylight sensors to minimise unnecessary lighting and make use of natural light. All electrical systems can be controlled centrally for maximum energy efficiency and comfort.

• Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool cut its electricity costs by $23,000 a year through closely monitoring energy purchasing. It succeeded in keeping electricity use per tray of kiwifruit consistent, despite a rise in volume, by managing its cool storage and using manual timers in plant rooms to smooth demand. The company has improved its transport fuel efficiency with a fleet audit, fuel monitoring and encouraging carpooling amongst staff – contributing to a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Ian Niven says EECA is a long-time sponsor of the Sustainable Business Network awards, because finalists clearly demonstrate the benefits of smart energy management.

“Energy efficiency is often the most cost-effective way to reduce CO2 emissions, so it has to be a key plank of any sustainability strategy. Whether or not businesses are focused on sustainability, managing energy brings numerous benefits, not least to the bottom line.”

The Emerging Large Business Award is one of 12 categories in the SBN Awards. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Auckland on 22 November. For more information see www.sustainable.org.nz

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