Sustainability is one of the most important issues facing Western Australia. Environmental impact, economic change and the growth of society are challenges that we must manage effectively now, and more importantly, for future generations.

Perth Woman spoke to Western Power, the owner of Western Australia’s major electricity network, in an attempt to understand the ways that we can all help create a sustainable future.

We discovered that Western Power is taking the opportunity to engage with communities and begin to educate and influence people to change the way they use and think about energy and help create a sustainable energy supply.

They explained that as communities become more complex, energy demand will continue to rise, creating huge stresses on existing infrastructure and increasing environmental impact.

For these reasons, Western Power has identified sustainable energy solutions for home, work and school for everyone to follow to do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

HOME
No Cost
- air conditioners use more electricity than nearly all other household appliances, so set it to 24 degrees or higher in summer. Changing it by one degree can save 10% on your household cooling bill.
Low Cost
- use lower wattage globes: fit high efficiency globes or compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) in down lights and spotlights. This will reduce greenhouse gas by 75 per cent compared to incandescent lights. Replacing 4 incandescent light bulbs with 4 CFL’s will reduce your annual household bill by $50.
- standby power: turning appliances off at the wall can save up to 10% of the energy bill.
- installing gas boosted solar hot water system can save up tot 30% of the household energy costs
- ensure new appliances have a 4-star or higher energy rating
Future Savings
- Install ceiling insulation: A well insulated home can reduce cooling and heating costs by around 30% and save 250kg of CO² annually.

WORK
No Cost
- Computers: switch off computers, monitors, printers and scanners at the end of the day– standby and screensavers still use a significant amount of energy. For savings during the day enable Energy Star®, the computer goes into a ‘sleep’ mode when not in use, reducing emissions by over 75% and saving around $36 per computer each year.
Low Cost
-Install movement sensors: and timer controls on lighting particularly in meetings rooms, kitchens and storage areas. Security lighting can be expensive. Motion sensors use minimal energy, are bright, and are highly visible from the street.
Future Savings
- Laptops: use 90% less energy than a desktop computer. When upgrading equipment choose energy efficient laptop computers and check the star rating for other new office appliances.
- Buy a fridge for the staff room with an extra star on its label and you can cut up to 100kg of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

SCHOOL
No Cost
- Appoint a “Power Ranger” in the classroom each day to make sure that everything in the room is turned of at the end of school. Every one should have a turn.
- Close the Door! Minimise exposure to the outside environment
Future Savings
- Lighting accounts for over half the electricity consumed in south west school. Replace all fluorescent fittings with energy efficient single tube fittings and incandescent globes with CFL’s.

BEAT THE PEAK
In Perth the peak is from 3.00pm to 6.00pm in summer and electricity infrastructure built to cope with the peak is expensive to build and is not environmentally friendly.  Do your part to reduce overall energy use during these peak times.

- restrict appliance use– washing machines, dryers or other major appliances
- restrict pool pump use– avoid running the pump
- winter peaks: don't overheat your house and seal windows and doors to prevent drafts. Put on a jumper first!

 By Amber Carton 

 

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