Energy Efficiency Council - Efficiency Providers | Energy Users | Australia

EEC leading energy management project: commercial - Winner

Monash University's Electrification Program

Monash University’s electrification program is a leading demonstration of how large, complex institutions can transition legacy infrastructure away from fossil fuels. Since committing to all-electric new builds in 2019, Monash has shifted focus to the more challenging task of electrifying existing systems across its Victorian campuses. The 15-year program targets heating and hot water systems in over 90 buildings, implementing tailored heat pump solutions paired with thermal storage to reduce peak loads and minimise electrical upgrades. By targeting hard-to-electrify systems and coordinating technical, operational, and cultural change, Monash is setting a new benchmark in commercial-scale electrification.

EEC leading energy management project: commercial - Highly Commended

Ashbridge Capital and Siemens' work on Riverside Centre Energy Performance Contract

The Riverside Centre, built in 1987, is the only office tower in South Australia which is currently certified carbon neutral. Following energy efficiency upgrades with Siemens, this A-grade building achieved a 5.5-star NABERS rating in late 2024, making it one of few buildings of its age in Australia to attain this rating and carbon neutrality. The upgrade included building digitalisation through a new building management system, modernising mechanical services including lift motors, advanced smart metering, LED lighting upgrades, installation of a solar panel system, high-efficiency boilers, and Variable Air Volume (VAV) optimisation. Energy efficiency has cut energy consumption by 40% and saved $100,000 from annual operating costs.

EEC leading energy management project: industrial

G&K O’Connor supported by Northmore Gordon on Closing the Loop on Red Meat Processing Energy and Emissions

Over two years, this project developed a technically and financially viable roadmap to decarbonise G&K O’Connor’s operations that can provide an ambitious, yet achievable, blueprint for Australia’s red meat processing sector. The project, co-funded by ARENA, Australian Meat Processor Corporation and G&K O’Connor, uses automated energy measurement and monitoring of the plant to enable data-driven decision making. It found that an “efficiency-led” approach leads to the best financial returns and emissions reductions.

EEC leading energy management project: residential

Geelong Sustainability's Geelong Electric Homes Program

Geelong Sustainability’s Electric Homes Programempowers Geelong residents to transition to energy efficient, all-electric homes powered by renewables. The program provides practical information and expert guidance on energy efficient retrofits and electrification through in-person forums, webinars and masterclasses. It also streamlines access to trusted local suppliers and reduces costs through a bulk-buy purchasing program for heat pumps, insulation, induction cooking, solar and batteries. Now in its third year, the program has had strong community buy-in and is expanding to Ballarat in 2025.

EEC leading energy management government program

Hume City Council's Hume Home Energy Upgrades

The Hume Home Energy Upgrades program is making home energy retrofits and electrification accessible for more households. The Hume community is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most culturally diverse. The program enables access to energy upgrades with free advice, education, home visits, and no-obligation quotes for affordable energy-efficient products. Residents are assisted to access discounts and rebates, including additional council rebates for low-income households. The program is a partnership between Hume City Council, Yarra Energy Foundation, All Electric Homes and Enviroflex. 

EEC leading energy management innovation

EDQ, Queensland Government's Carseldine Village Net Zero Energy Efficiency Homes

Located 14 km from Brisbane’s CBD, Carseldine Village is a landmark mixed-use development featuring Queensland’s—and Australia’s—first net-zero emission terrace homes delivered at scale. Each home is all-electric, equipped with solar and batteries, and high thermal efficiency standards exceeding NCC. The development enabled the Carseldine Village Living Laboratory research project led by QUT, piloting Home Energy Management Systems and providing data on thermal efficiency, coordinated DER and integrated energy systems. 

EEC inclusion champion 

Since 2011, the St. Vincent de Paul Society Canberra Goulburn (SVDP) has delivered the ACT Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Program. This program is funded by the ACT Government and aims to support low-income and vulnerable households in Canberra. It focuses on visiting and educating households about energy efficiency, supporting over 6,000 households with draught proofing, thermally efficient curtains, heated throw rugs, and energy efficient appliances. The program is accessible to all low-income households and has worked in the community and in partnership with other organisations to support Indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse households, and households affected by family violence. 

EEC energy management young champion - Winner

Rhys Carey

Rhys Carey is Horizon Power’s Senior DER Technologies Engineer and has had key technical responsibility for DER management systems, enabling the scaling up of systems that allowed the deployment of Smart Connect Solar across Horizon’s microgrids. The Smart Connect Solar program adjusts the level of solar energy in the network and enabled Horizon Power to remove hosting capacity limits on power systems. While Smart Connect Solar was a team effort, Rhys played a pivotal role in its success having been instrumental in achieving the goal of zero refusals for new solar applications, ahead of schedule and under budget.

EEC energy management young champion - Highly Commended 

Joyce Yeoh

Joyce has been working in the space of buildings and energy management for less than four years. In this short time she rose through the ranks at DeltaQ, contributing to work in energy management, carbon emissions reduction, energy flexibility and energy costs reduction. Her career journey highlights, amidst others, include the creation of new NABERS rating tools, researching the use of under-utilised generators for flexible demand responses, and work that has been used to support government in their decision-making process.

EEC energy management champion

Donna Luckman

Donna is the Zero Carbon Campaigns Lead at Merri-bek City Council. She leads the Council’s community engagement, communications and advocacy for the Zero Carbon Merri-bek plan. Donna has over 20 years experience in the sustainability sector including as the former CEO of Renew, Chair of the My Energy Marketplace Advisory Panel and the Coalition for Community Energy. She convenes a local government Community of Practice of 100 Councils, that shares resources and knowledge on the efficient electrification of Australian homes. Donna has been a driving force for energy efficiency in our community and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise her role as a champion tonight.

EEC life fellowship

Rob Murray-Leach

Rob commenced employment as the EEC’s first employee and inaugural CEO in January 2009 and ceased employment December 2023 after a 15-year period of service, including over six years as CEO and then as Head of Policy and Head of Market Transformation.

Over that time, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the EEC and its members, elevating the profile of the demand side in policy discussions and securing a raft of major reforms at the state and federal level.

During his time as Head of Policy, Rob authored a number of flagship reports – the Australian Energy Efficiency Policy Handbook, The World's First Fuel, Ensuring quality control and safety in insulation installation and Clean Energy, Clean Demand – that helped change the debate, opening up space for new policies and programs for our sector.

Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.