Energy - switching off and turning on green power
DECC has several programs in place to improve energy efficiency and conserving power across the organisation. Major Sydney DECC office blocks are five star rated under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating Scheme (ABGR).
Ongoing energy audits of major facilities led to the upgrading of lighting systems in major office blocks in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Smaller regional offices such as Gosford, Dubbo, Queanbeyan and others have also installed energy efficient lighting systems.
Energy efficient lighting and heating systems are incorporated into the design of all new DECC buildings. The recently updated National Parks Facilities Manual requires energy conservation features such compact fluorescent lamps, motion sensors, cut-out switches and use of natural lighting and ventilation.
The DECC is also purchasing increasing quantities of energy sources from renewable sources. Currently over 300 sites across the organisation purchase between 100% green power to 6% green power (the Government mandatory minimum). These sites range from major office blocks through to visitor centres, workshops, laboratories and park amenity blocks. Solar panels are used where possible to power remote sits such as weather stations or supplement mains electricity supplies.