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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-12 Daily Xml
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GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Mr ODENWALDER (Little Para) (14:29): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy.

Members interjecting:

Mr ODENWALDER: I'm confident he will be able to answer this. Can the minister inform the house what the government is doing to use energy resources more responsibly throughout government departments?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:30): I thank the member for his question and his keen interest in energy efficiency. It is important for the government to play a key role in utilising energy more efficiently in South Australia. Over the past decade, this government has had a particular focus on ensuring that government buildings have made the transition to being more energy efficient.

I am pleased to inform the house that government buildings are overall 17.3 per cent more energy efficient in 2010-11 than they were in 2000-01. This is on track for the target of 30 per cent improvement by 2020. The improvement can be attributed to the government's policy of moving to more energy-efficient buildings, upgrades and refurbishments using more efficient equipment and behavioural changes within the workplace.

A range of energy management achievements have been implemented across each portfolio. Measures used most frequently include lighting upgrades, consolidation of equipment such as printers and utilising timers for energy intensive equipment such as boilers. New government buildings, such as the Royal Adelaide Hospital, are being constructed to higher efficiency standards, which will help lift that average even further.

The government also recently approved a new framework for energy efficiency in government buildings. This includes guidelines which will assist government agencies to assess potential energy efficiency investments on a sound business case basis to inform budget decisions. A review of the current systems to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the compilation of energy efficiency data is being undertaken as part of a continuous improvement to reduce the resources required for gathering and reporting this information.

The government believes that the best way to encourage others is by taking a proactive approach. This government is encouraging businesses and households to be more energy conscious and efficient with the use of power, and we are leading by example. I encourage any household or business looking to become more energy efficient to visit the free Energy Advisory Service online at www.sa.gov.au/energy or by calling 8204 1888.

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