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                    Energy efficiency

                    Icon of a sun shining above solar panels
                    Energy used to power businesses typically comes from electricity or gas. Most of the world still sources its energy from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a major contributor to global warming.

                    ​Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Non-renewable energy sources, such as the fossil fuel ‘coal’, will run out at some point.

                    Did you know?

                    In 2016, renewable energy provided about 16 percent of Victoria’s electricity. Other Australian states are far ahead. For example, in the same year renewable energy provided about 48 percent of South Australia’s electricity. (Source: Environment Victoria)

                    There are an increasing number of energy retailers specialising in renewable energy. They also have tools to help you track and reduce your energy consumption. Check out the Green Electricity Guide.

                    It is important that we all take simple steps to reduce our energy use where we can and shift away from fossil fuels, to support the inevitable shift to renewable sources.

                    Infographic depicting five energy efficiency tips for businesses. See 'Top five tips' below for full details.  

                    Top five tips

                    1. Switch off appliances when not in use.
                    2. Set your thermostat to between 24 and 26 degrees for cooling in summer and between 18 and 20 degrees for heating in winter.
                    3. Choose energy efficient alter​natives when purchasing or leasing new equipment and appliances (anything that uses energy!).
                    4. Minimise temperature leakages via good draught seals, insulation and keeping your doors closed.
                    5. Run your business on renewables.

                    Download the infographic

                    Sustainable business: Energy efficiency tips

                    Planning template

                    To help you plan for your event's energy efficiency, we’ve created a template:

                    Sustainable business: Energy efficiency planning template

                    More information

                    Further reading and resources on energy efficiency and renewable energy:

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