Government Programs

Sustainable Water and Energy in NSW Government

Each year NSW Government agencies consume over 38,000 ML of water and spend $400 million a year purchasing 8 million GJ of energy. Through government water and energy targets, the NSW Government is seeking to lead the way in the sustainable use of water and energy in its operations.

NSW Government agencies use about 2% of total energy (4.4% of electricity) consumed in the state. More than half of the total energy consumed by Government agencies is used in buildings, infrastructure and other facilities, with the remainder used for transport. Around 70% of Government agencies occupy mainly office buildings. These buildings account for 12% of energy use. Space cooling, ventilation and lighting are the three most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, with lighting having the greatest potential for abatement.

NSW Government Water and Energy Managers’ Forum

A one-day forum for NSW Government water and energy managers and relevant service providers was held earlier this year. The forum detailed government water and energy savings requirements and the financial, technical and professional support available to help government agencies meet savings targets. You can view presentations held at the forum at NSW Government Water & Energy Managers’ Forum >>.

Government Energy Management Policy

The Government Energy Management Policy (GEMP) was announced in November 1998 to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, while also delivering energy and cost savings to NSW Government agencies. The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability is working to help government agencies meet those targets, reduce water and energy consumption (and associated greenhouse gas emissions), save on water and energy bills and reduce the wider environmental impacts associated with water and energy use.

NSW Treasury Loan Fund

The Department assists agencies in meeting targets by facilitating access to the NSW Treasury Loan Fund. With $40 million now available in funding every year, this low interest loan fund is offered by NSW Treasury to budget-dependent agencies to facilitate water and energy upgrades. Since 1998, 26 agencies have invested $48.4 million in energy and water efficiency upgrades. These projects are delivering $8 million in energy and water savings and cutting 56,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually in NSW.

Government Policy Requirements

NSW Government agencies need to comply with the following policy requirements. For more details, go to Government Policy Requirements. Other useful links include:

Government Energy Management Policy (GEMP)
Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR)
GreenPowerTM
Energy Savings Action Plans
2006 Metropolitan Water Plan
Water Savings Action Plans

Reporting

You can report annual energy consumption for the Government Energy Management Policy to the Department via the web-based Environmental Data Gathering and Reporting Tool (EDGAR)

Funding for Government Agencies

NSW Treasury Loan Fund through Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) and the Government Energy and Water Efficiency Investment Program (GEEIP)
Water Savings Fund
Energy Savings Fund and Public Facilities Program

More Information

For more information, view case studies of successful Government energy and water efficiency projects or subscribe to the our Sustainability In Government e-news, a newsletter about Government water and energy efficiency issues.

Useful Contacts

For further information or assistance, go to Useful Contacts or e-mail us at government@deus.nsw.gov.au.