Tweed businesses are being urged to become more energy efficient and the council, with a little help from the state government, is showing the way.
This month will see three energy efficiency programs delivered in the shire, targeting the operators of small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), licensed clubs and aged-care facilities.
Energy efficiency expert Jon Dee will hold a free breakfast seminar for SMEs at Kingscliff Bowling Club on Friday 15 May.
The seminar is free to attend and breakfast is available for $10 per person.
The following week, Tweed Shire Council will partner with the state government’s Energy Saver program to provide energy-efficient expertise specific to the local aged-care and club industries.
Chair of the Aged and Community Services Association’s NSW sustainability committee, Mark Sewell, said organisations would gain a greater understanding of sustainability through the sessions.
‘I fully endorse the opportunities there are for aged-care operators to minimise their environmental footprint and costs,’ Mr Sewell said.
‘The dividends from embracing these strategies can be very innovative and can last for a long time.’
Both seminars are aimed at helping community sectors understand, analyse and manage their energy consumption and will run from 8.45am to 4pm on Monday May 18 (aged-care sector) and Tuesday May 19 (registered clubs).
The two sessions will be held at Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club, which has been taking full advantage of its own energy-efficiency opportunities.
GM Nick Brabham said the club starting thinking harder about saving energy in 2009.
‘We have invested in sensor lighting, heat pumps to replace electric hot-water services, LED lighting, solar installation and air-conditioning upgrades,’ Mr Brabham said.
‘We work hard at communicating to staff and club members why we need to save energy, and we do so at any chance we get.’
The training for aged-care and registered club industries will cost $50 per person and entitle participating businesses up to $3,000 worth of training.
Registration
To register for the SME event, RSVP by Friday 8 May to Kingscliff and District Chamber of Commerce Secretary Tony Bryan at [email protected]
To register for the Energy Saver Program visit the website http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/business/energy-efficiency-training.htm or for more information contact Tweed Council’s sustainability program leader, Debbie Firestone, on (02) 6670 2400.
