The Energy Smart Building Policy sets a 10% energy intensity and greenhouse gas reduction targets for all Northern Territory Government agencies to meet by 2010-11. This target is set against a baseline established in 2004-05. The key objective of the NT Government Energy Smart Buildings Policy is to achieve and maintain best practice energy management in NT Government operations to save operating expenditure and greenhouse gas emissions.
The following interim annual targets are set under the policy:
Year |
Percentage |
|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 1% |
| 2006-07 | 1.5% |
| 2007-08 | 3% |
| 2008-09 | 5.5% |
| 2009-10 | 8% |
| 2010-11 | 10% |
On the basis of the targeted 10% MJ/m2 saving being met, the Policy has the potential to realise on going savings of at least $3 million and 13,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. Under the Policy departments will retain any savings achieved by energy management projects which agencies can then select to reinvest in additional energy efficiency measures.
All Northern Territory Government agencies are responsible for entering their building energy usage data into the Online System for Comprehensive Activity Reporting (OSCAR). This is an Australian Government program which is used by most state and territory governments to report on their energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Agencies progress towards the reduction targets are reported annually in the Northern Territory Building Energy and Greenhouse Gas Report which is presented to Parliament by the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and then publicly available.
Energy efficiency gains can be made through developing energy management programs. The Sustainability Unit has a number of resources to assist agencies to develop these programs and coordinates regular meetings with representatives across from various agencies to share best practice initiatives. For more information see our For Business page or contact us at sustainability@nt.gov.au.
The NT Climate Change Policy, released in December 2009, establishes a new energy intensity reduction target for Northern Territory Government Agencies. Target 6 of the policy states that by 2020, energy intensity in Territory Government buildings will be reduced by a third from a 2004 baseline, with progressive energy savings being achieved after this. The Department of Lands and Planning is currently developing a Building Energy and Greenhouse Strategy which will identify mechanisms for this target to be achieved.