Commercial buildings urged to enhance energy efficiency

14th Jun 2012

Businesses across Australia beware – you could find costs are on the rise when the carbon tax comes into force next month.

The tax will make its first appearance on July 1 and has been met with both praise and criticism.

Some hail the tax for its potential to help the environment, while others are concerned that it will only increase costs for individuals and businesses at a time when their finances are already strained.

Sustainable project manager NuGreen is part of the second school of thought – referring to the findings of an Allen Consulting study, it said that the carbon tax presents plenty of reasons to go green.

Allen Consulting found that the average cost of operating a 25,000 sq m building in Sydney will increase by around $61,961 after the introduction of the carbon tax.

Not only this, the group predicted that energy costs will rise by 10.8 per cent, but property owners will not be in line for compensation from the government, meaning they will have to foot the bill.

National director of NuGreen Paul Schlaphoff explained that there are plenty of financial incentives to becoming more energy efficient.

"In the past being green cost money, but by installing the latest lighting and power generation technology we are saving clients' money," he commented.

So what can business owners do to limit the impact of the carbon tax?

Generating power from alternative sources such as solar panels is one option, as is carrying out an audit of current energy use.

NuGreen estimates that taking on an audit's recommendations could save as much as 20 per cent on energy bills, while finding an alternative electricity supplier can shave 30 per cent off bills.

Businesses and homeowners alike don't have long to take action against the carbon tax, so think fast before your bills start to bite.

Posted by Mike Peacock

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: