10-steps to get ‘Fit for Summer’ in Energy and Carbon

• Northmore Gordon
• November 26, 2024
• Articles

As 2024 comes to a close it is a great time to get your energy and carbon management in shape for summer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on 10 key steps to reduce energy waste and decarbonise —and how we can help you get started. 

Why Act Now? 

The summer months bring unique challenges and opportunities for large energy users. Rising energy use, ‘critical peak demand’ charges, overheated equipment, and new sustainability requirements mean that planning can save money, improve efficiency, and position your business well in 2025. Whether you’re looking to optimise operations, meet compliance obligations, or strengthen your decarbonisation strategy, it is a great time to take action. 

1. Compressed Air: Don’t Lose Capacity on Hot Days 

Summer heat can strain compressed air systems, especially if they’re leaking. Leaks not only waste energy but can also cause capacity issues during critical operational periods. Regular maintenance and proactive repairs can help improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Steps: 

• Conduct a full inspection of your compressed air system to identify leaks. 

• Use an ultrasonic leak detector or work with a technician to pinpoint problem areas. 

• Repair leaks promptly and consider adding pressure monitors to detect future issues. 

• Review maintenance schedules to ensure systems are cleaned and serviced before summer.

Unsure how to do this or want to get this done quickly? Get in touch or check out our compressed air guide.

2. Refrigeration: Close the Gaps 

Refrigeration systems are essential for many industrial operations, and small inefficiencies can lead to big losses. Poorly sealed doors, refrigerant leaks, vibration, failing compressors, unmaintained cooling towers, or inappropriate cooling use can result in unnecessary energy consumption and higher costs. 

Steps: 

• Inspect door seals for wear and tear. Replace damaged seals to prevent cold air from escaping. 

• Test automatic door closers and recalibrate or replace malfunctioning units. 

• Service compressor systems and cooling towers 

• Provide a refresher training session for staff on proper refrigeration management. 

• Review refrigeration system efficiency settings and adjust for optimal performance. 

Need assistance? Contact us for a tailored review of your refrigeration systems. 

3. Energy Contracting: Secure the Best Deal for 2025 

Energy prices and contracts can shift significantly, especially in a volatile market. If you’re locked into outdated terms, you could be overpaying. Reviewing and renegotiating your energy contract ensures you’re getting the best deal possible. 

Steps: 

• Gather your current energy bills and contracts for review. 

• Look for ‘critical peak demand’ tariffs or extra summer charges, and understand what they mean 

• Analyse peak usage patterns and ensure your contract aligns with your energy needs. 

• Research market rates or consult with Northmore Gordon to negotiate better terms. 

• Set up alerts to renegotiate contracts before they automatically renew. 

Not sure if you’re getting the best deal? Let us help you find out. 

4. Load Shifting and Demand Flexibility 

Energy prices and grid dynamics are changing rapidly, creating opportunities to reduce costs by shifting demand. Reshaping your energy load profile can help you secure better tariffs, avoid peak pricing, and improve efficiency. 

Steps: 

• Analyse your site’s energy usage profile to identify peak demand periods. 

• Explore which processes can be shifted to off-peak times without disrupting operations. 

• Review tariffs and incentive programs that reward demand flexibility. 

• Consider installing automation tools or software to optimise load shifting. 

Curious about the possibilities? We can guide you through the options. 

5. NGERs: Learn from This Year’s Reporting Season 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) season is an opportunity to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Identifying gaps and inefficiencies will save you headaches in the next reporting cycle. 

Steps: 

• Review your 2024 NGERNational Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme. Large energy users and greenhouse gas emitters that exceed the thresholds must report their detailed energy and emissions data each year to the Australian Clean Energy Regulator. More submission to identify data gaps or reporting inefficiencies. 

• Cross-check reported data with operational records to ensure accuracy. 

• Update internal processes or tools for collecting and managing energy data. 

• Train your team on best practices to streamline reporting next year. 

Need expert advice? We’re here to help simplify your NGERs process. 

6. Carbon Health Check: Plan Your Decarbonisation for 2025 

Where is your business on its decarbonisation journey? A carbon health check can help you evaluate progress, identify gaps, and set clear priorities for the year ahead. This ensures your roadmap stays aligned with regulatory and sustainability goals. 

Steps: 

• Benchmark your carbon performance against your 2024 goals. 

• Prioritise projects that deliver the greatest impact on your decarbonisation roadmap. 

• Review upcoming regulatory requirements and align your plans. 

• Set a clear action plan with milestones for 2025. 

Want a professional assessment? Take our Carbon Health Check or get in touch. 

7. Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards: Get Ahead for 2026 

New Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards are approaching, and businesses must prepare. Setting up systems now to capture Scope 3 emissions data will put you ahead of the curve and reduce last-minute pressure. 

Steps: 

• Identify your Scope 3 emission sources and prioritise the largest contributors. 

• Start gathering data from your supply chain and engage vendors on sustainability metrics. 

• Develop procedures for ongoing data collection and reporting. 

• Review your readiness against the upcoming standards to identify gaps. 

Feeling overwhelmed? We can help you get prepared. 

8. Rooftop Solar PV: Maximise Your System’s Efficiency 

Your solar system should be working at peak performance, but inefficiencies can creep in over time. Dirty panels, inverter issues, or underperforming components can all reduce your energy generation. 

Steps: 

• Schedule a performance check for your solar PVSolar Photovoltaic system with your installer. 

• Clean panels and ensure they’re free of dirt and debris. 

• Check inverter performance and ensure all components are functioning optimally. 

• Monitor energy generation data for unusual drops in performance. 

Reach out to your solar installer to schedule a system performance review. 

9. Government Grants: Refresh Your Funding Knowledge and Unlock Opportunities 

Government grants can provide significant funding for energy upgrades and efficiency projects. Aligning your energy strategy with upcoming grant opportunities can unlock funding to help you achieve your sustainability goals. 

Steps: 

• Research available grants for your industry and region. 

• Review eligibility criteria to see which grants align with your energy strategy. 

• Work with experts (like us) to ensure your projects meet the necessary requirements. 

• Let us handle the application process, from start to finish, to maximise your chance of success. 

Want to unlock funding for your projects? Let us manage your grant applications and align your strategy to secure the support you need – Check out the latest grants or contact us today. 

10. Renewable Energy Purchasing: Plan for 2025 

How are you optimising your purchase of renewable energy and meeting your sustainability goals? Are you doing that at least cost and balancing power purchase agreements with unbundled Renewable Energy Certificates? 

Steps: 

• Review your current renewable energy and REC purchasing strategy. 

• Assess future needs and opportunities to increase renewable energy uptake. 

• Compare different suppliers and contract options for 2025. 

• Optimise your purchasing to align with sustainability goals and budgets. 

Want tailored advice? We can help you optimise your renewable energy strategy. 

Let’s Make 2025 Your Most Efficient Year and Do More With Less 

Preparing for summer and the year ahead can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s improving efficiency, managing energy contracts, or planning for sustainability, Northmore Gordon is here to help. Unsure how to tackle these steps or want to get them done quickly? Contact us to find out how we can support your business. 

• Decarbonisation, Energy

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