Case Studies and Major Reports

 

Carbon footprint of the aged care sector

Potential eco-efficiency measures were assessed in a selected group of Queensland aged care facilities assessed including retirement villages, residential care facilities and several community care providers. The eco-efficiency audit showed that total energy use ranged from 744,000 MJ/year to 9 million MJ/year. The combined effect of all the recommended measures can be summarised when each parameter is converted to CO2 –equivalent (expressed as Kg CO2 per year).

Residential Aged Care facilities		Annual consumption	Average per facility	Average per resident
Electricity use	KWH	9,731,312	695,094	9,215
Gas use	MJ	12,608,827	737	10,318
Total energy	MJ	47,012,382	3,358,027	38,472
Water use	KL	80,921	5,780	66
Waste to landfill	Cubic metres	12,008	858	8
Total Greenhouse gas emissions	tonnes Co2-eq	13,197	943	12.5

 

It is only possible to make small improvements through behavioural changes, given that the sector must comply with many standards and also meet the specific needs of residents. With cost effective investment in items such as energy efficient lighting, air-conditioning, insulation and hot water systems or perhaps solar panels, the total savings in electricity consumption are likely to be as much as 24%. The potential reduction in gas consumption is modest, largely because there are not as yet many commercialised options for investing in energy efficient equipment. Waste management was identified as an area where there are significant opportunities for improving overall sustainability, especially in RACF. Overall it is estimated that there is a 24% reduction in CO2 –equivalent emissions possible.

There is limited scope for reducing water consumption, where facilities have implemented water saving technologies in resident rooms or in independent living units. Potential water consumption reduction of Up to 18% reduction in water consumption was identified, mostly through installing flow regulators on taps or showers. Far more substantial savings were identified if highly efficient 5 or 6 star water efficient fixtures or appliances are installed.

Electricity use survey in western suburbs of Brisbane

Between 2011-2012 the electricity consumption of 67 businesses (at 74 sites) in the western suburbs of Brisbane was examined as part of the Queensland Governments’ Climate Smart Business Cluster Program. Opportunities to reduce electricity use, either by behavioural changes or by installing more efficient equipment were identified for each business.

The businesses examined were typical of suburban communities and included retail outlets, convenience stores, a dry cleaning business, motor vehicle workshops, golf and bowling clubs, restaurants and cafes , takeaway food outlets, gyms, swimming pools, and professional or business offices. Several industrial businesses were also included.

The total electricity consumption of this group was 7.6 GWH/year, with the largest user consuming 1.7 GWH annually and the smallest (a mobile business) just 299 KWH/yr. Air-conditioning dominates electricity consumption for most businesses. Refrigeration is a very large contributor to total electricity use, especially in convenience stores. The general categories of tools includes a diverse range of business specific equipment including pool filters, electric saws and hair dryers. .

Equipment type	Percent
Heating and cooling (air conditioning)	31%
Lighting	12%
Office and entertainment equipment	4%
Refrigeration	22%
Major cooking equipment (ovens, grillers, fryers	4%
Other kitchen appliances	9%
Business specific tools	7%
Other equipment or hot water	11%

The potential reduction in electricity consumption across the 68 businesses was about 1.55 GWH/yr using simple behavioural changes alone (e.g. turning off lights and air conditioners, adjusting air conditioning temperatures or in some cases simply closing doors to make systems more efficient). Reduction as much as 3.35 GWH/yr was possible if there was investment in energy efficient equipment and/or solar panels. Not all investments were considered cost effective and electricity use reduction using only investment with a projected pay pack time of less than 5 years was estimated as 2.5 GHW/year or about 33% of total consumption.