Abstract for presentation at 14th IUAPPA World Congress

The Protocol for Environmental Management ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Efficiency in Industry’ (the PEM) describes the program undertaken by EPA Victoria since late 2002 to improve the energy efficiency of Victorian industry in a cost-effective manner. Aspects of the PEM and the program implementation were described at the CASANZ 2005 conference.
The PEM required EPA licence holders to assess their on-site energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Those above certain thresholds were required to undertake an energy audit and implement any improvement actions that would provide financial pay back within three years or less. Implementation of action plans was to be completed by the end of 2006.
Applicants for EPA works approval must demonstrate that the proposed works will be best practice with respect to energy efficiency and GHG emissions.
As reported previously, implementation of action plans approved under the program was expected to achieve an annual reduction in GHG emissions in excess of 1.1 million tonnes CO₂-e, with an average simple payback period of less than 18 months. Annual energy cost savings to industry were expected to exceed $34 million.
The paper analyses the energy efficiency measures undertaken through this program. It shows that many cost-effective actions have not previously been adopted voluntarily. It also describes an audit process that verifies the actual achievements of the program, and discusses reasons for variations from expected implementation. Some case studies of successful action plans are presented.