WHAT WE DO...

Check the hot water temperature – if it's over 55ºC it may need adjusting. If the cylinder is warm to touch, install an insulation wrap, and make sure the pipes are insulated too.

When possible, use cold water instead of hot for cleaning, washing machines etc.

A drip a second from the hot water tap can add $20-$30 a year to your electricity bill.

Make sure that heating and cooling devices aren't working against each other i.e. a freezer placed next to an oven or using hot water to clean in a chilled area.

Switch off computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers, heaters and lights when not in use.

Ceiling fans are inexpensive to operate and will circulate valuable heat that is sitting dormant, or circulate cool air in summer.

Place workstations near a window or clear skylight to maximise light levels.

Lighting costs could account for up to 40% of your office’s electricity bill. Replace light bulbs in the most used areas with energy saving bulbs, which use 80% less energy for the same light output.

Regularly defrost fridges and freezers, check that seals are working properly and keep the back dust free. Make sure the appliance isn't larger than necessary and check whether that second fridge/freezer is actually needed.

Use "Switch Off" stickers to remind staff to switch off lights, especially in meeting rooms, store rooms, bathrooms, kitchens etc. Circulate a five o'clock email to remind staff to switch off computers and monitors and put up a notice to remind people not to overfill the kettle – only boil as much as you need each time.

Regularly maintained vehicles operate more efficiently and use less fuel.

It seems so obvious but it's worth reminding staff to make sure doors and windows are closed to keep in the heat, or open to help with ventilation. Make sure doors and windows are shut before turning on the heater/air conditioner.

Regularly check for and repair leaks in compressed air systems, operate at the minimum pressure needed and make sure the air inlet is in a cool place. Review if compressed air is really required for the job, or whether electrical could be used instead.

Make sure that boilers are sequenced correctly and regularly maintained and tuned.

Regularly maintain motors for efficient operation, carry out performance tests and make sure motors aren’t oversized for the job they’re doing.

Co-ordination and efficient scheduling can save precious fuel. Can work trips be scheduled more efficiently? Can staff be flexible with travelling times and share a car more often?

About 45% of your heat could be escaping if you don’t have insulation. Firstly, consider insulating ceilings, under floors, and gap sealing windows and doors. For a bigger investment, consider double glazing windows and insulating walls.

Depending on your work space, this action could save you a lot of money. Efficient options may include heat pumps, flued gas heaters or central heating – get an expert to assess the best method of heating for your situation.

Look for Energy Rating Labels when buying new appliances and choose the most energy efficient models. Check out www.energyrating.gov.au for more information.

Timers and thermostats, occupancy sensors and daylight sensing controls are reasonably inexpensive ways to ensure that energy isn’t being wasted. Make sure that individual banks of lighting are on separate switches and ensure these are clearly labelled.

Check whether heat from kitchens, compressors, hot process areas etc. can be ducted to provide heat to other areas.

When renovating, building or moving in to new premises, consider the options for improving efficiencies.

Technologies such as solar heating, biofuels and hybrid vehicles are becoming more viable as the cost of energy continues to increase.

Install taps/hose nozzles that cut off automatically. A water efficient shower head can reduce water use by about half.

Make sure that boilers are sequenced correctly, well insulated and regularly maintained and tuned. Could you capture and use waste heat? Review whether you have matched demand with capacity, or could you downsize or use alternative sources for heating?

Look at replacing high-use or older motors with more efficient types, check with an electrician whether energy can be saved through power factor correction.