Wollongong City Council has introduced a number of initiatives to save energy and water to reduce its environmental footprint.

Council has actively decreased its energy consumption within the Burelli Street Administration Building by:
• Replacing the Air conditioning Plant and Equipment (HVAC system) including the insulation of floor ducting for temperature efficiencies.
• Hot water system upgrades.
• Installation of energy efficient lighting.
• Installing heat reflective blinds.
 
Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Andrew Carfield, said the initiative to minimise Council’s energy consumption has been successful with savings of approximately 40,000 – 50,000 kWh/per month.
 
“The cost of implementing these upgrades is expected to be recouped through energy savings in less than five years, with the lighting project already saving 342,415 kWh in 2009 alone,” said Mr Carfield.
 
“The building management system has been upgraded, allowing us to better control on floor temperatures. The use of tinted glazing on the ground floor has also helped to reduce energy usage within the building.”

“The installation of a 40,000 litre rain water harvesting system,  flow restrictors to taps and semi waterless urinals, have resulted in water savings of 26 percent in our Administration Building. Further savings will be achieved through the replacement of toilets within the building,” Mr Carfield added.
 
“We encourage the community to continue their efforts to be energy and water wise by minimising their own consumption.”

To find out more information on how to reduce your energy and waste consumption, get some handy tips from Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au