Energy is crucial for the day-to-day operation of businesses. Knowing how efficiently energy is used across your business, and how small changes to usage patterns impact on the bottom line, is a new benchmark in best practice.

Constant increases in energy prices together with the increasing importance of energy efficiency and emission reduction in sustaining New Zealand’s “clean green” image, mean that even the smallest operator needs to consider what steps they can take to reduce their energy consumption.
The first steps on your road to energy efficiency and emission reduction:

1. Measure up
Given how easily energy consumption can be tracked, the process of measuring, analysing and managing your electricity spend on a day-to-day basis is the most sensible starting point. Ask yourself if there are any redundant activities or equipment. Is there any particular machine or implement that is inefficient to run and should you consider investing in more modern, efficient plant? Can the process be done differently, or at a time of day when energy is traditionally cheaper?

2. Share the knowledge
No two businesses operate the same, even your nearest competitor will do things slightly differently. Sharing ideas with fellow growers in relation to energy efficiencies will almost certainly be of mutual benefit. Knowledge sharing can help avoid costly mistakes and save money in the long-term.

3. Call in the experts
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) have a number of online tools and offer advice on how to achieve energy efficiencies and reduce carbon emission, no matter what stage your business is at. Visit www.eca.govt.nz for further information.