Mitigation measures and methods for reviewing effectiveness
The measures undertaken by the department during 2021–22 to minimise the effects of its operational activities on the environment and the mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of measures to reduce impacts, are outlined below, in accordance with the requirements of EPBC Act Section 516A 6d and e.
Office and building energy efficiency
Total energy
The department’s total portfolio annual energy consumption in 2021–22 increased by 1% to 69,533 GJ. This includes transport and stationary energy sectors, including passenger vehicles, offices, public buildings, laboratories, warehouses and data centres.
Energy intensity
The MJ/FTE for tenant light and power (TLP) has improved from 3,242MJ/FTE to 2,587 MJ per person per year. The EEGO performance improved by 18 % this financial year. The reduction in office occupancy rates due to COVID restrictions as well as efficient use of lighting resulted in the improved TLP performance.
While there is no energy target for non-office space, the department monitors the energy consumption in these facilities as part of its commitments to reducing the impact on the environment from its activities.
Emissions and GreenPower
There has been a 94% drop in the reported GreenPower consumption during this financial year. The closure of GreenPower procuring office sites has contributed to the decreased allocation. Due to the increased cost of GreenPower, the department is currently looking at alternative strategies to offset carbon emissions through carbon credits. The largest energy consuming site in the portfolio –36 Bradfield Road, Lindfield – has entered a 10-year renewable power purchase agreement that allows procurement of electricity from solar farms. This offsets all the electricity-related emissions, resulting in carbon neutral operations. This is equivalent to nearly 28% of the total portfolio energy emissions.
In 2020, the ACT achieved its goal to source 100% of its electricity from renewable generators. This means that all the carbon emissions generated by the department’s Canberra tenancies are now mitigated by feeding an equivalent amount of electricity to the grid through this ACT government initiative. All electricity-related carbon emissions generated through tenancy operations in the ACT are mitigated through this program. This is equivalent to about 24% of the total portfolio emissions.
The ACT government carbon emission reduction program and the renewable energy power purchase agreement at 36 Bradfield Road offsets nearly half of the total electricity related carbon emissions generated across our portfolio.
EEGO minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
The energy performance of the property portfolio is rated using the National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) for offices. The department strives to occupy office buildings and tenancies that are designed to achieve the EEGO Policy’s minimum energy performance standard of at least 4.5 stars. The department obtained NABERS office energy ratings for 2 sites (over 2,000 m²) within the reporting period:
- 10 Binara St, Canberra: 4.5 stars (expected rating – currently under renewal)
- 51 Allara St, Canberra: 5.5 stars.
The department will renew the NABERS ratings for these sites and any potential in-scope properties within the 2022–23 reporting period.
Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global movement that took place this year from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturday, 26 March 2022.
All state offices participated in this event, which showcased the department’s support for climate change mitigation.
Continual improvement
The department continues to monitor environmental performance and will work with its property service provider, Evolve FM, to improve its processes and reporting via the dedicated online Canopy portal.
In the reporting period, the department continued with the implementation of the risk mitigation and energy efficiency improvement identification exercise at one of their top-5 energy consuming sites – 153 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. Furthermore, the lease renewal for the property allowed the department to negotiate an incentive deal which has allowed for the following:
- installation of an 80 – 100 kw solar system including panels and inverters, to be directly connected to the Tenant’s electricity supply board in order to reduce ongoing electricity costs
- installation of new energy-efficient LED lights to all warehouse and office areas within the premises
- installation of a smart watering system to monitor and reduce estate water consumption.
In addition, the department conducted a lighting upgrade feasibility assessment study at Industry House in Canberra. The study suggested that incorporating a combination of LED replacement and lighting contacts update would allow for an annual electricity consumption reduction of 400,00 kWh with a total cost savings of $142,050/year. The capital cost requirement to achieve this is $1,450,000 with a simple payback period of 10.2 years and a NABERS tenancy rating improvement potential of 0.47 stars.
ICT sustainability
End user computer environment
The continued use of laptops and the implementation of flexible working arrangements has enabled the energy usage per end user to be maintained at a lower level.
Main data centre and data rooms
The power use effectiveness (PUE) for the main data centre has slightly risen from 1.71 to 1.72.
This is most likely caused by some computer workload migrating to the cloud and the deployment of laptops to all staff, which reduced the active number of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions hosted from the data centre. It may also be due to ageing hardware which may be generating additional heat and therefore requiring increased cooling and power.
The data rooms PUE remain unchanged.
Performance of public buildings: Questacon
Questacon is actively supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and exploring opportunities to link core science communication activities with environmental awareness initiatives.
Questacon is pursuing a net zero strategy (QNetZero) and the key aims are as follows:
- promote climate action through science engagement
- inspire future environmental scientists and innovators
- reduce Questacon’s emissions.
Questacon has developed a roadmap to reduce emissions by 20% to 40% before 2030. Key emissions reduction actions include:
- transitioning building services from gas to electric
- reducing refrigerant emissions
- using electric or hybrid vehicles where possible
- increasing use of renewables
- travel offsets where available
- waste reduction.
Questacon also plans to:
- educate and empower staff and visitors on climate science and ways they can reduce their emissions
- deliver experiences that promote better understanding of the science of climate change
- promote technologies that will contribute to a low emissions future
- provide visitors with the opportunity to offset their visit to Questacon
- establish climate action partnerships with other cultural institutions and science centres.
Procurement of goods and services
In line with the requirements of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, the department considers environmental sustainability as part of its value for money assessment. The department’s procurement and grants toolkit provides templates and guidance to assist staff on undertaking procurement sustainably. The department continues to maintain 100% usage of recycled paper for general use office copy paper.
Transport energy: vehicles
Transport energy reported by the department relates to 2 types of fleet vehicles used: passenger vehicles (less than 3.5 tonnes) and other vehicles (larger than 3.5 tonnes). Total transport energy increased by 6% and there was a 6% increase in transport-related emissions. The increase is mainly associated with the easing of travel restrictions imposed due to COVID, which caused an increase in the total number of kilometres travelled during this financial year when compared to the last financial year.
Passenger vehicles
Passenger vehicles account for 84% of the department’s transport energy use. Energy use increased by 6% and distance travelled increased by 12%, which can be attributed to increased travel footprint post easing of COVID restrictions. The energy intensity (energy consumption per kilometre travelled) decreased by 9% in 2021–22, from 3.96 MJ/km to 3.61 MJ/km.
Other vehicles
In 2021–22, the department reported a total energy use of 530 GJ within the other transport category, which accounted for 16% of total transport energy use. The number of department vehicles larger than 3.5 tonnes remained at 6 in 2021–22.
Waste reporting
The department has been recycling where possible. In doing so we have saved 244 cubic metres from landfill, which equates to 462 matured trees, 75 tonnes of CO2, 29,417L of oil and 7 cars off the road for a year.
