Clean Energy Future

Voice over: The move to a clean energy future will see factories and businesses equipped with new technology as well as the creation of whole industries in the renewable energy sector.  One business which has streamlined its operations with a range of energy efficiency measures is Simplot, an Australian food manufacturer.  Simplot has already invested with an eye to the future.  The Australian Government is supporting industry in the transition to a clean energy future and recognises the importance of industry to Australia’s economic viability.

Graham: My name’s Graham Bryant, I’m the National Environment Manager for Simplot. Energy efficiency is really important for Simplot Australia; we’ve been a participant in the Federal Government’s Energy Efficiency Opportunity Program since its inception.  Our attitude in this program was to get into it in a big way, assess all our factories and to look at what we can do to save as much energy as possible.  At each of our factories we have an energy steering committee, it’s chaired by an energy champion someone who’s passionate about energy efficiency and has the respect of their peers and is a good leader.  We have documents that guide our project teams within each factory and what to think about in terms of energy efficiency and it’s affect on greenhouse gas emissions.  We encourage everybody to get involved in this program and to contribute to its success.  Here in the Echuca warehouse we have recently put a project in here to save energy.  We’ve installed 27 solar tubes into the roof of this warehouse and replaced 400 watt metal halite lamps with fluorescent globes with sensors attached.  When you walk into the warehouse the sensor will pick up you’re there.  Energy is an invisible raw material, it’s something that we have to be aware of and we have to manage well.  Anything you do to improve energy efficiency reduces all the elements of the cost of electricity.  It reduces the charge that we have to pay to bring the power from the power stations through the poles and wires to our site.  It helps reduce our environmental charges.  Energy efficiency for any business, big business down to small business it just makes sense.

Voice over: Businesses like Simplot who have adapted their business practices to move to a clean energy future will continue to see efficiencies in their production and results in their productivity.  The Australian Government is making a substantial investment and is providing financial support to industry through the revenue generated through the carbon price.  See how the government is supporting business at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au.