Energy and water audits

Retrogreening council-owned sites

Blacktown City Council (BCC), in conjunction with VDM Consulting, has successfully audited, designed and managed the upgrade of the energy and water efficiency of 40 of the largest council-owned energy- and water-consuming sites throughout the region, from showgrounds and leisure centres through to transport facilities and sports grounds.

The project was completed between July to September 2010 and involved audit and upgrade design of major energy and water consuming items such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, water heating, tap ware, WCs and irrigation. This, together with installation of sufficient solar photovoltaic power at each site designed to neutralise the carbon emissions associated with the remaining electricity consumption.

VDM Consulting conducted the AS3598 Level 3 energy and water audits at each site on behalf of BCC, using advanced value stream mapping techniques to ensure maximum return on investment from the recommended energy- and water-efficiency upgrades.

Outcomes included: capital works valued at over $1m; energy and water savings of over $200,000 per annum; carbon-neutral and ‘future-proofed’ facilities; and reduced operating costs hence lower rates.