Government Energy Management Policy

The Government Energy Management Policy (GEMP) is NSW's response to the National Greenhouse Strategy requirement for all Australian governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their own operations. Improving the energy efficiency of government buildings is one important measure in the strategy.

Announced in November 1998, GEMP established targets to reduce state-wide total energy consumption in Government buildings by 15% by 2001/02 and 25% by 2005/06 (from 1995/96 levels), where cost-effectively feasible.

Additional Targets

Additional related targets have been set since 1998. Buildings owned or tenanted by Government are to achieve certain star ratings under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) Scheme and all Schedule 1 agencies must purchase electricity with at least 6% accredited GreenPower^TM i.e. power from renewable energy sources. Under the Cleaner NSW Government Fleet, agencies must progressively reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles to achieve a 20% reduction by 2007/08 (based on 2004/05 performance).

Key GEMP Agencies

The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) facilitates energy and water efficiency upgrades by helping agencies access the NSW Treasury Loan Fund, thereby assisting to reduce energy and potable water use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase savings for government and provide jobs in the energy services sector. The NSW Treasury Loan Fund offers $40 million on a rolling annual basis and can be accessed by State government agencies for both energy and water efficiency upgrades by way of Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) or the Government Energy Efficiency Investment Program (GEEIP).

DEUS manages the collection of GEMP data from Government agencies through EDGAR and is responsible for general oversight of the GEMP, including policy implementation and review, in cooperation with the Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce has responsibility for the Government's asset management and procurement. It facilitates the Government's objectives by assisting with the implementation of sustainable energy solutions for buildings and infrastructure, goods and services, motor vehicles and specific initiatives such as energy purchasing for the public sector. The Department of Commerce also provides consulting services to the Government and agencies in energy management and environmental design.

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