About the Energy Efficiency Council
The EEC is the peak body for Australia’s energy management sector. A not-for-profit membership association, EEC works to:
• Drive world-leading policy on efficiency, electrification and demand flexibility;
• Ensure we have the skilled workforce to deliver Australia’s energy transition; and
• Support businesses and households to rapidly decarbonise.
The challenge
For Australia to thrive in the twenty-first century we need to put smart energy management at the heart of our economy.
Energy management encompasses a wide range of practices and technologies including energy efficiency, demand management or load shifting, and demand response. Smart energy management makes our buildings healthier and more comfortable, our businesses more productive, and our energy system more affordable.
However, Australia is lagging the world in all these areas. Independent analysis of the world’s 25 largest energy consuming countries ranked Australia as the worst developed country for energy efficiency policy and performance. This is a huge issue for our nation as it means:
- Our buildings are contributing to poor health outcomes for Australians;
- The energy productivity of our businesses has fallen behind our global competitors; and
- Our energy bills and carbon emissions are far higher than they need to be.
Importantly, embracing smart energy management enables us to:
What we do
The Council’s job is to make Australia a global leader in smart energy management. To this end, the Council works with its members and partners to:
- Drive ambitious government policy by advocating for smart energy management policies and programs that deliver for all Australians;
- Support business decision making and growth with trusted, impartial information on energy so that businesses have confidence making the right energy management investments; and
- Ensure quality with standards and professional development by supporting standards development and benchmarking for the sector, and training and professional development for professionals across Australia.
The Council is a national organisation with headquarters in Melbourne.
Download our flyer here.
Our Mission
The Energy Efficiency Council's Rules of Association highlight that the Council exists to establish energy management as the pre-eminent measure for carbon mitigation, build the market for energy management products and services, and ensure that energy management is implemented with excellence and accountability. To these ends, the Council will:
- Foster government policies that increase the demand for energy management services and products that deliver national environmental and economic benefits;
- Market energy management services and products to the public and private sectors;
- Improve the quality, reputation and confidence in energy management services and products; and
- Adhere to the principals of good governance and accountability in all areas of operation.
Click here to view the Council's Rules of Association.
Structure and governance
The Energy Efficiency Council’s mission is to build a sophisticated market for energy management products and services that delivers:
- Healthy, comfortable buildings;
- Productive, competitive businesses; and
- An affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system for Australia.
Strong governance ensures alignment between the Council’s strategy and operations.
Governance structure
The Council’s Board works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the executive team. The Board has also established a number of committees and advisory bodies that seek to maximise opportunities for members to shape and support the Council’s priorities.
The Board has delegated some decision-making authority to Committees. By contrast, the Executive Advisory Group and the Task Groups are advisory bodies.
Board
The Energy Efficiency Council has a ten-member Board of Directors, which has annual half-Board elections. The Board is responsible for the Council’s overall strategic management, and meets six times each year.
Executive Advisory Group
The Council’s Executive Advisory Group is made up of senior executives from the Council’s most senior members, including leading non-governmental organisations. The Executive Advisory Group provides industry guidance on the Council’s strategy and priorities.
Members meet annually in Melbourne and Sydney with the Council’s President and CEO.
Committees
The Council has three Committees that have delegated authority for discrete activities:
- The Finance and Governance Committee;
- The Policy and Advocacy Committee; and
- The Strategic Planning Committee.
Membership of the Committees is made up of Board members, Council members appointed by the Board, and invited external experts. All Committees are chaired by members of the Board. The Committees meet up to six times each year.
Task Groups
Task Groups are focussed on particular priorities, like commercial buildings, energy efficiency schemes, or energy market reform. They give members the opportunity to develop the Council’s policy and advocacy position on key areas, as well as to shape priorities for broader sector development.
Membership of Task Groups is open to all Council members, with no more than one representative per organisation. Task Groups are chaired by senior Council members.
Task Groups are advisory bodies and have no delegated authority. They meet as required.
If you're a member of the Energy Efficiency Council and would like to join one or more of the Council's Task Groups, please email julianne.tice@eec.org.au.
Annual General Meetings and Board elections
The Council holds half-Board elections at its Annual General Meeting each November.
As a membership association that exists to build a sophisticated market for smart energy management products and services, the Council’s industry members are the only members with voting rights.
Voting rights are dependent on the tier of membership, with Industry Leader members holding four votes, Corporate members three, Associate members two, and Network members one.
What we do
The Energy Efficiency Council’s job is to make Australia a global leader in smart energy management. To this end, the Council works with its members and partners to:
- Drive ambitious government policy by advocating for smart energy management policies and programs that deliver for all Australians;
- Support business decision making and growth with trusted, impartial information on energy so that businesses have confidence making the right energy management investments; and
- Ensure quality with standards and professional development by supporting standards development and benchmarking for the sector, and training and professional development for professionals across Australia.
Driving ambitious government policy
Since 2009 the Council has worked with Commonwealth and state governments to drive policies that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Australia by improving energy management across the economy.
The Council is a leading voice on best practice energy management policy for commercial and residential buildings, manufacturing, agribusiness, resources, transport and government operations. The Council also leads on calling for energy market reforms to ensure that flexible demand-side resources are available to support Australia’s energy transition. Additionally, the Council champions the central role of energy management in addressing climate change.
Learn more here.
Supporting business decision making and growth
The Council is deeply committed to supporting businesses and energy users that are in the process of navigating the rapid transition underway in Australia’s energy system. The Council drives business growth by providing businesses with credible and impartial information on energybriefing.org.au, running events like the Energy Efficiency Expo that allow businesses to connect and learn from leaders in their sector, and by providing direct training and support.
The Council aims to enable businesses to confidently navigate Australia’s dynamic energy landscape, managing the risks – and capturing the opportunities – of the energy transition through smart energy management.
Learn more here.
Ensuring quality with standards and professional development
The Council supports the development of the energy management sector through standards, training, professional development and events.
The Council drives standards development and benchmarking through bodies like Standards Australia and the NABERS National Steering Committee. It also supports professional development by upskilling new professionals on energy management fundamentals, and raising their understanding of crucial emerging topics.
Council certification programs help build confidence in the energy management market by allowing energy users to identify professionals they can trust.
The Council also delivers and supports a range of events, including the flagship event for energy management professionals, the National Energy Efficiency Conference. Council events are designed to bring industry leaders, energy management experts, policy makers and energy users together to share best practice and learn about the latest trends and technologies in smart energy management.
Learn more here.
Member Services
The Energy Efficiency Council provides a range of member services designed to support our members' ability to meet their business and organisational goals.
Learn more here.
Our team
The Energy Efficiency Council has a small team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff with extensive knowledge and experience in energy management policy, sustainability, financing and a range of supporting skills.
Luke Menzel
Chief Executive Officer
Luke Menzel is Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Efficiency Council, a not-for-profit membership association for businesses, universities, governments and NGOs.
Luke is Vice-President of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council. He is a member of the NABERS National Steering Committee, the Queensland Government's Ministerial Energy Council, and the Victorian Government's Clean Economy Skills and Jobs Task Force.
Sage Michaels
Head of Partnerships
A values-driven executive leader and partnership specialist with extensive experience in association and community sectors, Sage has overseen delivery of strategy, projects, membership and partnership engagement for a range of organisations. Sage leads the EEC’s partner and membership engagement activities, connecting with a broad spectrum of businesses, universities, government and NGOs to
build the energy management market and facilitate an equitable, prosperous and net zero economy.
Katie Bartrop
Head of Finance
Katie is a CPA and works with the Energy Efficiency Council's CEO to develop the Council’s strategy, budget and business plan, and works with area leads across the organisation to ensure it is operationalised effectively. Katie also has responsibility for financial management, including governance, financial reporting and compliance, human resources, and the Council’s general office functions.
Jeremy Sung
Head of Policy
Beginning his career in the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Jeremy is a climate change and energy policy specialist with over a decade of experience. Jeremy has worked in Asia and Europe with organisations such the the Grantham Institute in London, and the International Energy Agency in Paris, where he was a lead analyst on energy efficiency. Jeremy leads the Council’s policy and advocacy activities, working with members and governments to inform the development of robust and cost-effective energy efficiency policies and programs in Australia.
Karla Paeglis
Head of Workforce Development
With extensive NFP, private sector and government experience, Karla leads the EEC's Workforce Development team that focuses on delivering initiatives related to the development and growth of the energy services sector. This includes research and analysis regarding jobs, market sizing, skills and training, development and delivery of training, professional development programs and certification; and engagement on related issues, such as Australian and international standards.
Rachael Wilkinson
Senior Advisor, Government Relations
Rachael has worked in both the public and private sector over the last decade, most recently providing policy and advocacy support to thousands of businesses with the Ai Group.
Her key focus is encouraging the uptake of energy efficient products and technologies to support Australia’s net zero transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Public Policy) from the University of Tasmania.
Rob McLeod
Senior Advisor, Policy and Research
Rob is an experienced policy and advocacy professional with a background in the community sector and federal politics. He has worked in policy areas including residential energy, electrification, climate adaptation and resilience, housing, and social inclusion issues. Rob led Renew’s Climate Resilient Homes campaign, successfully advocating for improved energy standards for new and existing homes. He was awarded the 2023 Gill Owen Scholarship for research into community heatwave resilience.
Nicole Minnaar
Workforce Development Manager
Nicole has extensive experience in the energy management and decarbonisation sector, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, project management and marketing. With her broad range of skills and industry knowledge, and a commitment to well-formulated processes and procedures Nicole is focused on supporting EEC’s objectives to build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce in her role as Workforce Development Manager.
Amelia Jarrett
Policy Advisor, Business Decarbonisation
Amelia has over 10 years' of international experience in the energy sector in both renewable energy and net zero related project roles. Since moving to Australia from the UK where she worked on large scale renewable energy projects, she has managed net zero related projects within industry (ERM Power/Shell), at Monash University and within government (DELWP).
Amelia's role at the Council involves using her diverse background to deliver strategic projects that build the market for energy management and services in order to accelerate the transition to net zero.
James Pound
Workforce Development Coordinator
James has long been passionate about sustainable development and action on climate change. Over the course of two degrees — a Diploma of Sustainable Living from The University of Tasmania, and a Master of Sustainability from The University of Sydney — he focused on researching energy systems, policies, and co-benefits of the renewable energy transition, as well as the social and cultural barriers that impede it.
James joins the EEC as a Workforce Development Coordinator, eager to contribute to the continual development of Australia’s energy management industry.
Nat Corveddu
Project Officer
Nat joined the EEC on a part time basis whilst completing her Master of Environmental Science at the University of Melbourne with a focus on sustainable development, energy efficiency and stakeholder engagement. Since graduating Nat focuses on supporting the projects and policy teams with completing the EEC's essential advocacy, workforce development and business engagement activities.
Having completed a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology), Nat is passionate about environmental issues and the way science contributes to management strategies.
Jade Powell-Stringer
Workforce Development Coordinator
Jade has always been passionate about environmental and social justice issues. This passion has led her to transition into the energy management industry, seeking alignment with her personal values and professional aspirations. With a background in administrative roles particularly within the legal sector and conveyancing, she brings organisational expertise to her role at the Energy Efficiency Council.
Jade is dedicated to leveraging her skills and passion to contribute to the continual growth and advancement of Australia's energy management sector at the EEC.
Diana Cavill
Partnerships Coordinator
Diana has been passionate about the environment for years and has experience working for an environmental charity in Canada prior to working for the EEC. With a background in marketing, she was keen for a change and started at the EEC as an Executive Assistant to the Executive Leadership Team before moving into a newly created Partnerships Coordinator role. Diana’s excited to dive into the energy management space through this role.
Our board
The Energy Efficiency Council Board of Directors is elected by our members and represents a broad cross section of the industry.
The Board oversees the strategic direction and financial management of the organisation. A number of sub-committees drive the development of key projects activities and report to the Board.
Merrily Hunter (President)
MAC Trade Services
Merrily Hunter is the Founder and CEO of MAC Trade Services, an electrification services company. MAC is renowned for their expertise in designing and constructing large scale distributed energy resources, demand response assets and delivering trade-based electrification upgrades to more than 5,000 sites annually. With 15 years' experience implementing and executing energy saving initiatives, Merrily has a deep and comprehensive understanding of the challenges involved in delivering electrification programs in Australia.
Lisa Zembrodt (Vice President)
Schneider Electric
Lisa is the Principal and Senior Director, Sustainability Business at Schneider Electric. She, heads a major expansion of Schneider Electric services assisting corporations and government on reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiencies through technological and operational changes, helping set and implement sustainability strategies.
John Huggart (Treasurer)
John has a strong background in energy gained with retailers and new technology start ups. His industry roles have spanned sales, marketing, strategy, service & operations and business unit P&L accountability, including leading engineering services and project teams.
John is a passionate leader who is inspired by driving strategic change, building winning teams and achieving improved outcomes for customers, partners and shareholders. He has strong commercial and technical acumen with ability to build success based on clear plans and accountability.
Scott Ferraro (Secretary)
n0de
Scott Ferraro co-founded n0de, a start-up which aims to make Net Zero possible, and beneficial, for businesses. He has been the Program Director of the Net Zero Initiative at Monash University, and was previously Head of Implementation at ClimateWorks Australia. With an engineering background, he is a leader in net-zero emissions strategy, and brings with him a deep understanding of the opportunities for carbon reduction across energy, transport, industry and building sectors.
Dani Alexander (Training and Professional Development Expert)
UNSW Energy Institute
Dani is the CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute and the current Chair of the Energy Research Institutes Council of Australia. Dani is committed to building the clean energy workforce, and is a long-term champion of a systems approach to the transition through her passion, and proven track record, of integrating the demand- and supply-sides of the sector and supporting a consumer-led energy transition. Dani has experience at RACE for 2030 and the UTS ISF where she contributed to over twenty projects, most of which focused on efficiency, demand flexibility or CER. She has also worked across many areas of government, including ARENA.
James Brown
SA Power Networks
James is the Head of Network Strategy at SAPN, and is passionate about decarbonisation through enabling the customer led energy transition, with experience in future network strategy, affecting policy change, delivering world leading innovation programs and contributing to real benefit for electricity customers. He brings experience in state and national reform related to CER, demand flexibility and interoperability, and first-hand understanding of the barriers and opportunities related to energy efficient homes and business providing non-network solutions to grid constraints.
Jane Butler
AGL
Jane is the Head of Product, Strategy and New Technology at AGL and has over 18 years’ experience across energy efficiency consulting, cogeneration, industrial utilities management, commercial solar and demand response. Jane brings a unique combination of skills and an understanding of the technical manufacturing realities of energy efficiency, and we are delighted to have her join the Board.
James DiLiberto
AZZO
James is an Electrical Engineer and CEO/CTO at AZZO leading the development of power monitoring control systems for integrated energy management, energy efficiency, and DER orchestration with extensive experience in traditional and renewable energy systems for utility, commercial and industrial markets. James is an AEE Certified Energy Manager (CEM) International Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng RPEQ lntPE (AUS)), Fellow and Executive of Engineers Australia (FIEAust Eng Exec), and a chartered member of Australian Institute of Company Directors – MAICD.
Liz Fletcher (Marketing and Communications Expert)
Energy Power Systems Australia
Liz has spent more than a decade traversing the energy sector and growing businesses that help the transition to net zero. Over the years, her marketing, policy and strategic skills have been put to use at TransGrid, Flow Power, the Energy Security Board and others. She has also headed up birdwood business energy, where the team combined proven experience with the best technology and a real understanding of business problems to build the business case net zero at Australian businesses. In her spare time, Liz is the Marketing and Communications Expert on the Energy Efficiency Council board and sits on the Advisory Panel for the Business Renewable Centre.
Alistair Fraser
Siemens
Our advisors
Alan Pears, Senior Advisor
Alan Pears AM is a Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT University and also does consulting work. He has worked across all aspects of sustainable energy in policy, program development, public education and specific projects, and is a well-known commentator on sustainable energy issues. In the industry sector, Alan helped to develop SEDA’s Energy Smart Business program, the Commonwealth’s Energy Efficiency Best Practice program and, more recently, the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program.
EEC Life Fellows
2023 - Prof. Tony Arnel, Life Fellow
Professor Tony Arnel was the Council's President from 2014 until 2021. Tony is an Industry Professor at Deakin University and was the Global Director of Sustainability at leading consulting firm Norman Disney & Young. He also serves on various boards including Forest and Wood Products Australia and the Sustainable Melbourne Fund. He is the former chair of both the World Green Building Council and the Green Building Council of Australia. Tony is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
2022 - Sara Gipton, Life Fellow
Sara served as the Council’s Treasurer for nearly six years from February 2015 to October 2020, and her outstanding contribution to the Council and its mission, especially as a non-member in a voluntary capacity, is undisputed.
Sara is a passionate and recognised leader in climate change policy, carbon markets and corporate sustainability. Using her broad and extensive experience, Sara provides strategic advice to business and governments in meeting the opportunities, challenges and risks that climate change brings. She is known for her values driven leadership, her strong focus on relationships and the quality of the outcomes she delivers.
Sara is an expert for the Australian carbon market, corporate disclosure and the complex workings of carbon legislation.
2020 - Stuart Macfarlane, Life Fellow
Stuart was a founding Board member of the Council in 2009, served 10 years on the Board and was awarded a Life Fellowship in 2020.
Following many years of practice in Government and private engineering firms, Stuart commenced employment with Energy Conservation Systems in 1990 and has since been involved in many large energy management projects and energy performance contracts and has worked closely on various Government led energy management programs as well as having written and delivered numerous papers, lectures and training relating to energy conservation and energy performance contracting for consultants, energy managers and professional engineers throughout Australia, Asia and Europe.
EEC Fellows
2018 - Simon James, EEC Fellow
Simon is the founding President of the Energy Efficiency Council, holding the post as a representative of Honeywell from 2009 to 2013. He is a recognised industry leader in embedded utilities, energy efficiency, energy management, integrated buildings, intelligent buildings, automation and control and smart grid solutions, and under his leadership, the EEC become a highly influential and respected voice in the energy debate.
2017 - Simon Helps, EEC Fellow
Simon has over 10 years’ experience in the cogeneration and clean energy industry, and has held a variety of senior roles in clean energy groups in Australia. This includes eight years leading the Energy Efficiency Council’s work on cogeneration policy, and is passionate about building the market for distributed energy in Australia.
Careers
There are not currently any positions vacant at the EEC.
Advertising & Promotion
There are a number of opportunities to promote high quality products, services and events in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Council.
Online Member Profiles
Profiles for all EEC members, together with details of their products, services and expertise can be found here on our website. This is an outstanding opportunity to promote your organisation as an industry leader. This opportunity is available exclusively to EEC members. Click here to find out more.
Website Banner Advertising
A range of banner advertising opportunities are available. EEC Sponsor members receive a complimentary online advertising package as part of their membership. Discounted rates are available for all other EEC members and standard rates are available for non-members. To find out more, contact us online here or call us on (03) 8327 8422.
Events Listings & Industry News
EEC Members and selected external partners can list their latest news and events on our website. To submit your story/event for consideration, send us details online here.
Event Sponsorship
There are a range of opportunities to raise your profile at key Energy Efficiency Council events including:
- Sponsoring or exhibiting at the National Energy Efficiency Conference
- Sponsoring or supporting a National Energy Efficiency Forum or Energy Efficiency Leaders' Lunch
To find out more, contact us online here or call us on (03) 8327 8422.