RICS takes part in City of Sydney’s fight against rising energy bills through major reductions in energy use
A network of Sydney businesses are combating rising energy bills and improving day-to-day workplace operations by going green.
As part of the national CitySwitch Green Office program, legal practice Norton Rose Australia and Knight Frank’s property management office were recently recognised for their office energy efficiency efforts after achieving reductions in their energy use and operational costs as a result of minor technology upgrades and active staff education.
These green business leaders are part of a national network of businesses addressing their carbon impact with the help of the CitySwitch program.
Property managers, Knight Frank, won the NSW CitySwitch Signatory of the Year award for offices under 2,000 metres for its 135 on King office. On receiving the CitySwitch energy efficiency award, facilities manager for 135 on King, Den Jolly said, “If we can do it, anyone can do it."
The tenancy which has just six employees, implemented small and “easy to achieve” upgrades to their lighting, computer settings and water heating system. As part of a staff awareness campaign, the tenancy also used digital power meters to demonstrate that energy savings of 10 per cent could be made by simply turning off CCTV monitors, desktop monitors and computers when not in use.
Norton Rose Australia won the CitySwitch NSW Signatory of the Year Award for offices over 2,000 square metres after reducing carbon pollution by 214 tonnes and saving $42,000 in energy bills over the previous year.
Norton Rose Australia made the energy savings through the installation of sensor and zoned lighting, improvements to desktop computer and server settings and staff awareness, resulting in a 4 star NABERS Energy efficiency rating at their Grosvenor Place tenancy in Sydney.
Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP announced the winners at a special CitySwitch function late last year. This annual event showcases program signatories, big and small, who are demonstrating environmental leadership.
The program is currently encouraging small and medium sized enterprises located in City of Sydney to join these leaders and reap the environmental and cost benefits of operating an energy efficient office.
Organisations signing up to the program can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,000 towards the cost of undertaking a baseline NABERS Energy rating. This rating allows organisations to monitor their progress and improve year-on-year.
The CitySwitch program itself is free and provides signatories support and resources in the form of toolkits, case studies and regular information sessions with other dedicated sustainable leaders to help organisations on their journey.
RICS' Sydney tenancy is part of this national network of over 388 tenancies, spread over more than 1.74 million square metres of office space. View the full listing of CitySwitch signatories Australia-wide at the CitySwitch website.
For more information regarding the grants offered to City of Sydney businesses visit the grants page of the CitySwitch website.