Energy Efficiency Council - Efficiency Providers | Energy Users | Australia

Energy Efficiency Champion 2022
Winner: Ian McNicol

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in advancing the energy efficiency industry, through advocacy, research, education or projects.

Young Energy Efficiency Professional 2022
Winner: Alan Wuyi Wang

Alan is an emerging leader in the Australian energy efficiency industry, specialising in measurement and verification. Alan is a Principal Consultant with Northmore Gordon, where he has established an internal M&V team. Alan has advanced M&V practice in Victoria. He led the first M&V project to deliver Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates; pioneered the Solar VEECs solution using M&V for large-scale solar installations, and studied gas saving measures to avoid gas shortfalls. Alan is passionate about energy efficiency and the transition away from fossil fuels and works hard to build knowledge both in his professional networks, and his local community of Wyndham. 

Energy Efficiency Council Life Fellow 2022
Sara Gipton

Best Innovation in Energy Management 2022
Winner: Chilled Plant Water Optimisation, by Exergenics 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for new products that deliver improvements in energy productivity.

Exergenics developed an optimisation engine that has been demonstrated to reduce chiller plant energy use by between 3.6% and 13.4%, with an average reduction of 7.1%. The optimisation engine also enables the chiller plants to deliver required cooling output while performing the most energy-intensive operations away from peak demand hours. This results in a peak demand reduction of 4.2% to 15.4%, with an average of 7.3%.

The optimisation engine is a cloud-based, API-first solution with automated processes, which lowers barriers to implementation of chilled water plant optimisation solutions. The solution will accelerate change in the sector by making portfolio-wide deployment and performance benchmarking seamless. This will also impact how engineers design and manage energy-intensive equipment such as HVAC systems through increased transparency on the operational performance of systems.

The implementation of the solution at the Queensland Children's Hospital resulted in the saving of 186,703 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to 149 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since implementation. 

 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for industrial energy management projects.

 

The project at the Western Sydney Paint Line manufacturing facility maximised heat recovery in the paint curing ovens reducing natural gas demand.

Each oven has a recycled heat damper, a natural gas burner and combustion air system to control thermal requirements. As Colorbond products are cured, volatile components are evaporated and exhausted with the waste gas. This waste gas, rich in volatile components, is combusted in a regenerative thermal oxidiser (RTO) and the waste heat absorbed and recovered via refractory media to recycle back to the curing ovens.

The project minimised exhaust flow to require less cold air input to the ovens; increased recycled hot air fan capacity with a bigger motor and variable speed drive to maintain downturn performance; and allowed the ovens and regenerative thermal oxidiser to cool to a lower standby status when the painting process was delayed. It also improved the process control system used to balance oven pressure, minimised ingress of ambient air into the ovens and optimised existing heat recovery equipment, reducing gas consumption required to maintain oven temperature.

The project saved 20 per cent of total site natural gas consumption.

Best Residential Energy Management Project 2022
Winner: Adelaide's First Efficient 10 Star Home, by Suho

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for residential energy management projects  

 

Adelaide's First Energy Efficient 10 Star Home demonstrates the possibilities of sustainable design and construction in the Australian residential housing market. Achieving a NatHERS 10 Star energy efficiency rating, it uses three (3) megajoules per square metre annually for heating and cooling compared to ninety-six (96) megajoules per square metre for the average newly built home in Australia.

Smart automation systems include a Tindo PV Array, Stiebel Eltron mechanical heat recovery ventilation, Beacon Commercial fans, while ABB automation empowers occupants. The home can be off grid with the integration of energy efficient appliances, a Stiebel Eltron heat pump and ABB EV Charger.

This home can build knowledge, and adoption, of more climate-friendly home. By providing data to governing bodies, CSIRO, associations, industry and community it increases understanding of the relationship between human, house and environment 

Leading Energy User 2022
In partnership with the Energy Users Association of Australia
Winner: Telstra Infraco 

Leading Energy User is presented to an energy user that has demonstrated excellence in energy management at either the site or portfolio level.

The Energy Reduction Program encompasses numerous projects focussing on InfraCo's largest energy source, the energy used for building services such as air conditioning, power conversion systems and lighting. This program is a major contributor to Telstra's public commitment to reduce absolute carbon emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

The program is based on a three-phase strategy. First, inspection of assets, where air-conditioning efficiency specialists, all refrigeration mechanics, have the skills to identify and implement many optimisation opportunities while on site. Second, asset upgrades to improve energy efficiency using a Total Cost of Ownership approach. And third, monitoring closely how assets are running and how much energy they are using. This allows validation of improvements being made and to continually improve energy management.

From 1 July 2019 to 28 Feb 2022, InfraCo invested $15.3M into the program, which has delivered annual energy savings of 36,400 megawatt-hours. 

Leading Energy User 2022
In partnership with the Energy Users Association of Australia
Highly Commended: Bega Cheese Ltd 

Leading Energy User is presented to an energy user that has demonstrated excellence in energy management at either the site or portfolio level.

Bega's program was developed to drive energy intensity and emissions reduction across a portfolio of cheese and retail food sites. In 2018, Bega worked with Shell Energy to develop an Energy Reduction Roadmap which identified a pathway for reduced energy intensity. The program implemented submetering, connected existing and new metering to Energy Management Software, established energy intensity targets, began monthly site energy reports, identified energy efficiency opportunities, and set a plan to implement improvemnets. Bega Cheese has continued to work with Shell Energy to roll out energy efficiency projects providing significant energy, cost and emissions reductions.

They have also made improvmenets to the business' procedures in alignment with ISO50001 Energy Management System standard. The program covers six main manufacturing sites with a total energy usage of 1,920 terajoules per year. The standout site has been their Port Melbourne site which achieved a 6.8% reduction in energy usage equating to 11,274 gigajoules.

Integrated Clean Energy 2022
In partnership with ARENA
Winner: 101 Collins Street - Gas hot water plant conversion to heat pump with solar PV, by Thermal Energy Solutions and A.G. Coombs 

Presented to a nominated project that has demonstrated excellence in integrating high levels of energy productivity and renewable energy at the site, portfolio, precinct or community level

This project in a high-profile existing building showcases a technology solution to improve energy efficiency and electrify to remove Scope 1 emissions. The project converted domestic hot water generation from the original building calorifiers, connected to the buildings natural gas-fired heating hot water plant, to a system featuring highly efficient commercial heat pumps, thermal storage calorifier tanks and solar PV collectors to provide off grid DC electrical energy production.

Eight kilowatts of solar PV was added to the level 55 roof. The new solar PV system provides the primary heating for the four 500-litre Enermax tanks via electric immersion heating elements.

During the initial period post final commissioning the new plant reduced energy consumption by eighty-one per cent compared to the previous plant, and reduced associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Best Energy Saving Program 2022
Winner: Small Business Energy Saver Program, by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Awarded to programs that drive improvements in energy management, increase retrofit opportunities, improve reliability or deliver other benefits to the grid.

Launched in March 2021, the Small Business Energy Saver Program provides financial support for up to 5,000 Victorian small businesses to undertake energy efficiency upgrades. The program provides a bonus incentive that significantly reduces the cost of upgrades delivered through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The program leverages organisations such as Greenhouse Alliances, Local Government and peak bodies to engage with local business and trades to promote and educate small business on energy saving opportunities. The program has been delivered as a COVID economic recovery support measure and will contribute to the Victorian Government's Interim Climate Change Targets and concludes in June 2022.                                            

Between June 2021 and March 2022, the program provided energy efficiency upgrades to 3,600 small businesses. From the upgrades delivered to date, the program will save 8,240 megawatt-hours, 7,651 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and $2.14 million in energy per year in conjunction with a variety of co-benefits. 

Best Energy Saving Program 2022
Highly Commended: Sustainable Household Scheme, by the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Awarded to programs that drive improvements in energy management, increase retrofit opportunities, improve reliability or deliver other benefits to the grid.

The ACT Government committed $150 million to assist households and community organisations to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and premises.

The Scheme provides zero-interest loans between $2,000 and $15,000 to help homeowners reduce energy use and costs, live more comfortably and future proof their homes for a changing climate.

The Scheme is the first in Australia to offer a full suite of sustainable products. It will see over 10,000 ACT homes benefit over its five-year life. Loans can be used to purchase products including rooftop solar, household battery storage, hot water heat pumps, electric stove tops, electric heating and cooling, electric vehicle chargers, and new and used electric vehicles.

The program aims to reduce living costs and support the individual wellbeing of our population. The Scheme supports human focused resilience and adaptation for climate change, economic development, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and participation which places Canberra as a sustainable and liveable city.

Energy Efficiency Champion 2022
Winner: Ian McNicol

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in advancing the energy efficiency industry, through advocacy, research, education or projects.

Young Energy Efficiency Professional 2022
Winner: Alan Wuyi Wang

Alan is an emerging leader in the Australian energy efficiency industry, specialising in measurement and verification. Alan is a Principal Consultant with Northmore Gordon, where he has established an internal M&V team. Alan has advanced M&V practice in Victoria. He led the first M&V project to deliver Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates; pioneered the Solar VEECs solution using M&V for large-scale solar installations, and studied gas saving measures to avoid gas shortfalls. Alan is passionate about energy efficiency and the transition away from fossil fuels and works hard to build knowledge both in his professional networks, and his local community of Wyndham. 

Energy Efficiency Council Life Fellow 2022
Sara Gipton

Best Innovation in Energy Management 2022
Winner: Chilled Plant Water Optimisation, by Exergenics 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for new products that deliver improvements in energy productivity.

Exergenics developed an optimisation engine that has been demonstrated to reduce chiller plant energy use by between 3.6% and 13.4%, with an average reduction of 7.1%. The optimisation engine also enables the chiller plants to deliver required cooling output while performing the most energy-intensive operations away from peak demand hours. This results in a peak demand reduction of 4.2% to 15.4%, with an average of 7.3%.

The optimisation engine is a cloud-based, API-first solution with automated processes, which lowers barriers to implementation of chilled water plant optimisation solutions. The solution will accelerate change in the sector by making portfolio-wide deployment and performance benchmarking seamless. This will also impact how engineers design and manage energy-intensive equipment such as HVAC systems through increased transparency on the operational performance of systems.

The implementation of the solution at the Queensland Children's Hospital resulted in the saving of 186,703 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to 149 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since implementation. 

 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for industrial energy management projects.

 

The project at the Western Sydney Paint Line manufacturing facility maximised heat recovery in the paint curing ovens reducing natural gas demand.

Each oven has a recycled heat damper, a natural gas burner and combustion air system to control thermal requirements. As Colorbond products are cured, volatile components are evaporated and exhausted with the waste gas. This waste gas, rich in volatile components, is combusted in a regenerative thermal oxidiser (RTO) and the waste heat absorbed and recovered via refractory media to recycle back to the curing ovens.

The project minimised exhaust flow to require less cold air input to the ovens; increased recycled hot air fan capacity with a bigger motor and variable speed drive to maintain downturn performance; and allowed the ovens and regenerative thermal oxidiser to cool to a lower standby status when the painting process was delayed. It also improved the process control system used to balance oven pressure, minimised ingress of ambient air into the ovens and optimised existing heat recovery equipment, reducing gas consumption required to maintain oven temperature.

The project saved 20 per cent of total site natural gas consumption.

Best Residential Energy Management Project 2022
Winner: Adelaide's First Efficient 10 Star Home, by Suho

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for residential energy management projects  

 

Adelaide's First Energy Efficient 10 Star Home demonstrates the possibilities of sustainable design and construction in the Australian residential housing market. Achieving a NatHERS 10 Star energy efficiency rating, it uses three (3) megajoules per square metre annually for heating and cooling compared to ninety-six (96) megajoules per square metre for the average newly built home in Australia.

Smart automation systems include a Tindo PV Array, Stiebel Eltron mechanical heat recovery ventilation, Beacon Commercial fans, while ABB automation empowers occupants. The home can be off grid with the integration of energy efficient appliances, a Stiebel Eltron heat pump and ABB EV Charger.

This home can build knowledge, and adoption, of more climate-friendly home. By providing data to governing bodies, CSIRO, associations, industry and community it increases understanding of the relationship between human, house and environment 

Leading Energy User 2022
In partnership with the Energy Users Association of Australia
Winner: Telstra Infraco 

Leading Energy User is presented to an energy user that has demonstrated excellence in energy management at either the site or portfolio level.

The Energy Reduction Program encompasses numerous projects focussing on InfraCo's largest energy source, the energy used for building services such as air conditioning, power conversion systems and lighting. This program is a major contributor to Telstra's public commitment to reduce absolute carbon emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

The program is based on a three-phase strategy. First, inspection of assets, where air-conditioning efficiency specialists, all refrigeration mechanics, have the skills to identify and implement many optimisation opportunities while on site. Second, asset upgrades to improve energy efficiency using a Total Cost of Ownership approach. And third, monitoring closely how assets are running and how much energy they are using. This allows validation of improvements being made and to continually improve energy management.

From 1 July 2019 to 28 Feb 2022, InfraCo invested $15.3M into the program, which has delivered annual energy savings of 36,400 megawatt-hours. 

Leading Energy User 2022
In partnership with the Energy Users Association of Australia
Highly Commended: Bega Cheese Ltd 

Leading Energy User is presented to an energy user that has demonstrated excellence in energy management at either the site or portfolio level.

Bega's program was developed to drive energy intensity and emissions reduction across a portfolio of cheese and retail food sites. In 2018, Bega worked with Shell Energy to develop an Energy Reduction Roadmap which identified a pathway for reduced energy intensity. The program implemented submetering, connected existing and new metering to Energy Management Software, established energy intensity targets, began monthly site energy reports, identified energy efficiency opportunities, and set a plan to implement improvemnets. Bega Cheese has continued to work with Shell Energy to roll out energy efficiency projects providing significant energy, cost and emissions reductions.

They have also made improvmenets to the business' procedures in alignment with ISO50001 Energy Management System standard. The program covers six main manufacturing sites with a total energy usage of 1,920 terajoules per year. The standout site has been their Port Melbourne site which achieved a 6.8% reduction in energy usage equating to 11,274 gigajoules.

Integrated Clean Energy 2022
In partnership with ARENA
Winner: 101 Collins Street - Gas hot water plant conversion to heat pump with solar PV, by Thermal Energy Solutions and A.G. Coombs 

Presented to a nominated project that has demonstrated excellence in integrating high levels of energy productivity and renewable energy at the site, portfolio, precinct or community level

This project in a high-profile existing building showcases a technology solution to improve energy efficiency and electrify to remove Scope 1 emissions. The project converted domestic hot water generation from the original building calorifiers, connected to the buildings natural gas-fired heating hot water plant, to a system featuring highly efficient commercial heat pumps, thermal storage calorifier tanks and solar PV collectors to provide off grid DC electrical energy production.

Eight kilowatts of solar PV was added to the level 55 roof. The new solar PV system provides the primary heating for the four 500-litre Enermax tanks via electric immersion heating elements.

During the initial period post final commissioning the new plant reduced energy consumption by eighty-one per cent compared to the previous plant, and reduced associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Best Energy Saving Program 2022
Winner: Small Business Energy Saver Program, by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Awarded to programs that drive improvements in energy management, increase retrofit opportunities, improve reliability or deliver other benefits to the grid.

Launched in March 2021, the Small Business Energy Saver Program provides financial support for up to 5,000 Victorian small businesses to undertake energy efficiency upgrades. The program provides a bonus incentive that significantly reduces the cost of upgrades delivered through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The program leverages organisations such as Greenhouse Alliances, Local Government and peak bodies to engage with local business and trades to promote and educate small business on energy saving opportunities. The program has been delivered as a COVID economic recovery support measure and will contribute to the Victorian Government's Interim Climate Change Targets and concludes in June 2022.                                            

Between June 2021 and March 2022, the program provided energy efficiency upgrades to 3,600 small businesses. From the upgrades delivered to date, the program will save 8,240 megawatt-hours, 7,651 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and $2.14 million in energy per year in conjunction with a variety of co-benefits. 

Best Energy Saving Program 2022
Highly Commended: Sustainable Household Scheme, by the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Awarded to programs that drive improvements in energy management, increase retrofit opportunities, improve reliability or deliver other benefits to the grid.

The ACT Government committed $150 million to assist households and community organisations to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and premises.

The Scheme provides zero-interest loans between $2,000 and $15,000 to help homeowners reduce energy use and costs, live more comfortably and future proof their homes for a changing climate.

The Scheme is the first in Australia to offer a full suite of sustainable products. It will see over 10,000 ACT homes benefit over its five-year life. Loans can be used to purchase products including rooftop solar, household battery storage, hot water heat pumps, electric stove tops, electric heating and cooling, electric vehicle chargers, and new and used electric vehicles.

The program aims to reduce living costs and support the individual wellbeing of our population. The Scheme supports human focused resilience and adaptation for climate change, economic development, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and participation which places Canberra as a sustainable and liveable city.

Energy Efficiency Champion 2020
Winner: Kellie Caught

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in advancing the energy efficiency industry, through advocacy, research, education or projects.

Young Energy Efficiency Professional 2020
Winner: Siddharth Sheth

Sid leads a team of analysts and engineers as part of City FM’s Energy Centre, where has demonstrated outstanding leadership as well as a focus and dedication to individual growth and the growth of the sector.

Energy Efficiency Council Life Fellow
Stuart Macfarlane

Best Innovation in Energy Efficiency 2020
Winner: Zen Air 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for new products that deliver improvements in energy productivity

The Zen Air device turns a compatible smartphone into a split air conditioner remote control that provides new conveniences that improve daily lifestyle, for example by integrating tailored device settings into users’ daily routines. Reduced energy demand and greater system efficiency translates into more reliable and longer-lasting air conditioning units. The ability to remotely monitor the system to check and control its operation offers additional visibility and insight. For example, users can monitor the HVAC system while on vacation or track for indoor temperature and humidity. The Zen Air product and initial software applications offer immediate energy savings of up to 30 percent and is a great example of a user friendly, accesible and effective innovation. 

 

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for on-farm agricultural energy efficiency projects.

 

Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group partnered with the Cayley family and Bundaberg Sugar Services in an efficiency-first approach to farm irrigation energy management. The replacement of over 500m of irrigation piping, combined with extensive weather and soil type analysis to determine optimal irrigations scheduling resulted in a 42% reduction in energy per tonne of sugarcane harvested – a surprisingly simple solution with huge potential to lead industry wide change. The Cayley family are not the only ones benefiting from the success of the project, they are leading the way in knowledge sharing across the region, enabling increased uptake in energy reduction measures for irrigation.

Highly commended: Websters Group

 

Best Residential Energy Efficiency Project 2020
Winner: FERN, by Steele Associates

Recognising performance, leadership and innovation for residential energy efficiency projects  

The Fern has been designed as Sydney’s urban oasis and is Australia’s first Passive House apartments. Set on a challenging, compact city site, passive solar design was made difficult by adverse site orientation and firewall requirements. Despite this, FERN is a first class demonstration of what's possible in residential new builds. Fern achieves passive house principles of stringent air tightness, continuous unbroken insulation, high performance glazing, structural thermal breaks, and heat recovery ventilation. The building envelope is highly efficient, and provides comfortable temperatures.  The 21kW PV system generates more electricity that the Fern uses, and provides all energy including hot water and cooking, with no gas connected to the property. 

Highly commended: Gillies Hall by Monash University 

Leading Energy User 2020 & Intrgrated Clean Energy Award
Winner: Pernod Ricard Winemakers 

Leading Energy User is presented to an energy user that has demonstrated excellence in energy management at either the site or portfolio level

Integrated Clean Energy is presented to a nominated project that has demonstrated excellence in integrating high levels of energy productivity and renewable energy at the site, portfolio, precinct or community level

Pernod Ricard have undertaken multiple efficiency projects, including the consolidation and optimisation of refrigerating plants; Sensor and LED Lighting upgrades; and Insulation for warehouse storage. They have installed 3MW of generation capacity at two Barossa Valley wineries, generating approximately 20% of the company’s annual energy usage.  To meet the remaining 80% of demand Pernod Ricard has signed a Virtual Generation Agreement via Flow Power. Further, they have implemented ongoing demand response. Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ approach is a fantastic example of holistic energy strategy and innovation leveraged to meet sustainability commitments.

Best Energy Saving Program 2020
Winner: ActewAGL & ACT Government 

Awarded to programs that drive improvements in energy management, increase retrofit opportunities, improve reliability or deliver other benefits to the grid.

ActewAGL introduced the Energy Efficiency Upgrade program for Public Housing in December 2018. The Program is co-funded by ActewAGL and the ACT Commissioner for Social Housing to deliver 2,200 energy efficient upgrades to public housing properties in the ACT. The Program replaces old inefficient ducted gas heaters to ducted reverse cycle, gas room heaters to room air conditioners and gas hot water to hot water heat pumps.  The Program aims to improve the energy efficiency of the eligible properties through innovative products and market leading technology, all while helping vulnerable people better manage their energy usage and costs of living. 

Day 1, 24 November 2020