Energy and climate change

Decentralised Energy Costs and Opportunities for Victoria

National Electricity Market report card

Decentralised Energy Costs and Opportunities for Victoria
Sustainability Victoria

Institute researchers investigated the costs and opportunities for decentralised energy uptake across Victoria for Sustainability Victoria. This analysis was conducted utilising the D-CODE and DANCE Models created under the Intelligent Grid Research Program. The project investigated the network investment planned, assessed the impact of this spending on consumer tariffs, reviewed the potential for demand reduction opportunities in the context of deferring network investment, and quantified the network expenditure savings to the network businesses and the ensuing consumer relief from price increases as a result of the large scale deployment of demand reduction. The project found that a quarter of the $6 billion of network investment over the regulatory period was driven by peak demand growth, and that if 1700MW of ‘economically efficient’ demand reduction was to be deployed (of the total potential of 4200MW), consumers would save almost $440 million per annum, including over $200 million per annum in network spending, or $1 billion over a five year regulatory period.

Langham, E., Dunstan, C., Cooper, C., Moore, D., Mohr, S. and Ison, N. 2011, Decentralised Energy Costs and Opportunities for Victoria, [prepared for Sustainability Victoria], Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, November 2011. View/download report

and follow the DANCE Map User Instructions

National Electricity Market report card
Client: Total Environment Centre

This research is the first comprehensive evaluation of Australia’s electricity grid, the National Electricity Market (NEM). The Institute, working with researchers from Monash University, did a full audit to assess how well the grid meets the National Electricity Objective (NEO). This regulatory framework outlines the aim of the NEM as developing and operating electricity infrastructure ‘for the long term interests of consumers’. Researchers found this objective not clearly defined due to having a specific listing of criteria, including ‘price’, ‘reliability’ and ‘security’, acts to exclude additional relevant criteria as well as other Australian energy policies relevant to the electricity sector. The NEM Report Card used 12 criteria based on domestic and international benchmarks, to rate the grid’s performance from ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Very Good’. The NEM was rated ‘Fair’ to ‘Good’ for the areas listed, but fell shorter when the additional criteria was looked at. The worst ranking, of ‘Very Poor’, was for environmental performance. Part of the methodology involved a survey undertaken by organisations from a range of sectors, and the environmental performance was chosen as the most important new criterion to include in the NEO. The research also recommends reforms to both the NEM and NEO to better serve consumer interests.

Ison, N., Usher, J.S., Cantley-Smith, R.M., Harris, S. & Dunstan, C.G. 2011, 'The NEM Report Card: How well does the National Electricity Market serve Australia?', Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS and Monash University Faculty of Law, Sydney, pp. 1-158. Download/view

Business energy prices in NSW to 2020

Parkes Sustainable Energy and Water Plan

Business energy prices in NSW to 2020
NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)

Institute researchers were commissioned to project NSW energy prices for medium to large business users to 2020. OEH has a program of energy audits for medium to large businesses, and wishes to use projected energy prices to calculate potential future savings for energy efficiency measures. NSW retail electricity prices for business are projected to increase by between 53% (10.7c/kWh) and 78% (13.3c/kWh) in real terms by 2020 from 2011/12 levels, depending on whether a high or a low carbon price is introduced post 2015. Network charges contribute the greatest proportion to the retail cost of electricity in 2011/12, but are surpassed by wholesale electricity towards the end of the decade. This reflects the sharp increase in transmission and distribution network spending proposed by the NSW electricity network businesses, to increase the capacity to deal with growing peak demand for electricity, to meet higher new reliability standards introduced by the NSW Government and to replace aging infrastructure.

Ison, N and. Rutovitz, J. 2011. "NSW business energy prices to 2020". Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney for NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Download/view

Business energy price projection calculator for NSW. Download/view

Parkes Sustainable Energy and Water Plan
Parkes Shire Council

Institute researchers developed a series of options that Parkes Shire Council could undertake to both reduce their energy costs, already a significant proportion of their budget and demonstrate leadership in the transition to low carbon energy supplies. To develop this plan, Institute researchers conducted a situation analysis, reviewing existing energy spending, estimating prospective changes in electricity prices and the impacts on PSC’s future budget. The Plan identifies local energy options that can deliver significant financial and environmental benefits by reducing energy use and generating local energy from renewable or low carbon sources. An energy options assessment tool, including a 25 year cash flow analysis, was also developed to allow the Council to revisit the business case as conditions change or firmer information is available. View/Download project information sheet.

Rutovitz, J., Langham, E., Ison, N. & Dunstan, C.G. 2011, 'Parkes Shire Council: Distributed energy plan - report', [prepared for Parkes Shire Council], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, pp. 1-64. View/Download

Australian electricity generation costs

Carbon calculator for event managers

Carbon capture and storage in perspective: an Australian case study

The carbon pollution reduction scheme and farm animal welfare

Clean technology applications in tourism accommodation

Climate clubs schools trial

Close to Home: Potential benefits of decentralised energy for NSW electricity consumers

Distribution network pricing determination submission

Electric vehicle travel calculator

Energy efficiency in the National Energy Market

Impact of building energy efficiency on investment in energy infrastructure

Rebound effects in residential heating and cooling improvements

Renewable energy options

Revitalising Central Dandenong – making the case for a trigeneration facility

Trigeneration planning for UTS

Water Park precinct

Wind power and renewables forum

Wind site assessments - feasibility of distributed wind energy

Your Home fact sheet review

Australian electricity generation costs
Greenpeace Australia-Pacific

Institute researchers undertook background research on the costs to build and produce electricity from various generation technologies to inform Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution work. We provided information on specific capital, fixed operation & maintenance, variable operating and maintenance and network costs for technologies including coal fired, biomass and waste, diesel generator, hot dry rock geothermal, large scale dam based hydro, ocean energy, PV, solar thermal, wind turbines, gas, lignite. The estimated network costs/benefits for each of the technologies were included in the costing. Cost information out to 2030 for costs associated with both the Energy [R]evolution and business as usual scenarios was provided along with details of the methodologies used.

Carbon calculator for event managers
Australian Centre for Event Management

A free carbon calculator that measures the carbon footprint of events of all sizes, held anywhere in the world was reviewed by ISF researchers before it went live on the Australian Centre for Event Management’s (ACEM) web site. The calculator, which is tailored specifically to the unique needs of event producers and organizers, was a major outcome of the International Event Management Summit at which Institute Director Prof. Stuart White was a keynote speaker. It was developed by the Carbon Reduction Institute for ACEM and provides event organizers with practical advice on the changes that can be made in areas such as catering, transport and energy use in the planning stages of an event in order to reduce their overall impact. The calculator links to a payment gateway that gives event managers the option to offset their calculated carbon footprint in order to create a carbon neutral event should they choose to do so.

Carbon capture and storage in perspective: an Australian case study
Client: Greenpeace Australia-Pacific

This research compared greenhouse gas reduction scenarios for Australia through to 2030 that relied on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and renewable energy respectively. The Institute's analysis focused primarily on the CCS scenario, allowing for comparison with the Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution scenario for Australia [link to this project]. The Greenpeace scenario relies on energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy to achieve greenhouse gas reduction. The research identified the requirements of CCS plants, storage sites and associated pipes for the CCS scenario. It then analysed CO2 volumes, energy penalty and associated impacts in order to estimate the costs of CCS. It also assessed employment impacts and identified associated infrastructure requirements, costs and impacts. The report concluded that if the primary goal was to reduce greenhouse gases, then any funds available would be more effectively spent on a mix of renewable energy technologies. At a comparable cost, the Greenpeace scenario would deliver an additional 39% savings compared to the CCS scenario.

The carbon pollution reduction scheme and farm animal welfare
Funded by: Voiceless

A scoping study was carried out to understand whether the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme may result in any undesirable consequences for farm animals. The study included a review of activities underway or planned as part of national research programs and trials that focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the livestock sector. The study identifies the main methods and techniques being researched or trialled as possible greenhouse gas reduction solutions for livestock industries including emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management. It also identified the methods being researched or trialled for measuring or tracking emissions from livestock. The scoping study identifies the potential animal welfare implications associated with these greenhouse gas emissions reduction and measurement methods. It highlights potential unintended consequences for farm animals which may involve changes to animal environments including shelter and resting areas, access to food and water, pain, injury and disease, any restrictions on farm animals’ ability to carry out their normal behaviour, provision of sufficient space and facilities and fear and distress.

Clean technology applications in tourism accommodation
Client: Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre

The Institute’s expertise in clean energy systems and the principles of sustainable tourism led to the development of a framework for understanding the key issues and barriers to the introduction of clean energy in tourist accommodation following a review of relevant international literature. This framework was then used to collect information on best practice examples of the use and management of clean energy technologies in hotels and small scale rural and remote accommodation establishments. The resulting manual will assist decision makers to choose locally appropriate options on sourcing energy from either renewable (geo-thermal, solar, wind etc) or low impact forms of generation. The manual also outlines the energy savings that can be achieved from using appliances that are energy efficient and engaging people to use energy more wisely by, for example, turning lights off when not in the room. The research found that by being more energy and water wise, operators of small to medium accommodation establishments in rural and remote areas such as hostels, small hotels, and guest houses can achieve cost savings. The manual will be used as a tool for APEC economies to provide training and engage with their local communities. The project was undertaken as a partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC), APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and AICST (the APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism).

Daly, J., Glassmire, Jo., Langham, E. and Paddon, M. 2010 Clean technology in tourist accommodation: a best practice manual [prepared for APEC Tourism Working Group], Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, Gold Coast, Australia. Download/view

Climate clubs schools trial
Funded by: Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW

This community based program was designed to encouraged households to work together to save power, reduce carbon pollution and raise funds all at the same time. The pilot competition, which ran from May to November 2010, involved 150 families from Ferncourt, Wilkins and Dulwich Hill Public Schools. Households with children at those schools each set up a Climate Club through their Parents & Citizens Association. Participants earned points for their club by reducing their household electricity consumption based on meter readings by Energy Australia compared to the same time last year. These savings were translated into “Climate Club Certificates” that were then exchanged for money to be directed towards a community cause chosen by the club. The trial was supported by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), Marrickville Council and the University of Technology, Sydney with assistance from Energy Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The average reduction in electricity use across all three teams in the competition was more than 9 per cent per household compared with the same time last year. This means that during the six month competition more than 40,000 kWh in electricity, worth over $6,000, was saved by the households and 36,000 kg of CO2-e greenhouse gas emissions were avoided – about the equivalent of taking 15 cars off the road. For more details see: http://climateclubs.org.au/

Close to Home: Potential benefits of decentralised energy for NSW electricity consumers
Client: City of Sydney

The City of Sydney plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions substantially by moving away from coal fired electricity to trigeneration, renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Institute researchers quantified the savings the City’s decentralized energy plan would generate by avoiding the costs associated with large scale centralized electricity supply. These costs include not only the costs of the actual coal or gas fired power stations but also the cost of cables, tunnelling and electrical substations needed to deliver the power from power stations outside the city. Energy efficiency, peak load management and decentralized or local energy generation make it possible to meet increasing demand for energy and defer or avoid investment in new infrastructure. Providing energy in this way can be both cheaper and produce less carbon emissions than if it were provided through large scale centralized supply. The cost saving implications for NSW electricity consumers were also found to be considerable. This research indicates that if electricity regulators provided better support for electricity networks to redirect more network expenditure towards energy efficiency, peak load management and decentralized generation then energy cost pressures and greenhouse gas emissions could be significantly reduced. The Institute outlined six key regulatory and other changes that would help unlock the potential of demand management to deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions and limit price increases for NSW electricity consumers.

Dunstan, C.G. & Langham, E. 2010, ’Close to home: potential benefits of decentralised energy for NSW electricity consumers’, [prepared for The City of Sydney], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia, pp. 1-46. View/Download from: Publisher’s site

Distribution network pricing determination submission
Client: City of Sydney

The City of Sydney presented a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) on the NSW draft distribution network pricing determination 2009-2014 based on research carried out by the Institute. The City of Sydney is concerned by the recommendation in this Determination for substantial capital investment in infrastructure and the associated increase in costs for consumers and businesses. A key element of the City’s strategy to reduce GHG emissions is its proposed network of ‘Green Transformers’ that will incorporate tri-generation energy plants, water recycling and potentially waste to energy conversion. The network of trigeneration plants is proposed to supply 360MW of power by 2030 and it is hoped that this can deliver a 20% reduction from business as usual emissions by 2030 supplementing other energy efficiency initiatives. However, support for increased infrastructure investment by the Regulator as provided in this determination may undermine the business case for trigeneration which lies in their potential for avoiding network investment by reducing peak demand on the system. The business-as-usual model of electricity generation and distribution currently used by the AER in its pricing determination does not address the drivers behind energy consumption and peak load growth. Effective incentives for energy providers to redirect their expenditure towards measures which moderate growth in energy consumption and peak demand are needed if the City is to achieve its GHG emission reduction targets. View/download the City of Sydney submission.

Electric vehicle travel calculator
Client: NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change

An efficiency calculator for plug in hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles was developed by Institute researchers. The calculator provides estimates of fuel economy (L/Km), percentages of trip powered by fuel and electricity, as well as emissions intensity of the vehicle (Co2/Km) and recharging (Co2/kWh), air pollution emissions (PM10, NOx, VOCs per km) and cost of running the car ($/km). These estimates are calculated based on data entered for: Vehicle Kilometre Travelled (VKT), electricity charging data, as well as refueling dates and amounts.

Energy efficiency in the National Energy Market
Client: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

The Prime Minister’s Task Group on Energy Efficiency sought expert advice from a broad range of government, industry, energy and environmental organizations to formulate its report on options to improve Australia’s energy efficiency by 2020. 
The Task Group also commissioned research by the Institute as part of this process. The report provided to the Task Group by the Institute was based on research into best practice international initiatives to improve energy efficiency. Several options designed to overcome the existing barriers to energy efficiency within the National Electricity Market (NEM) were provided to the Task Group. A mix of policy, structural and regulatory reform options were recommended. The Task Group describes energy efficiency as ‘Australia’s untapped energy resource’. Research by the Institute has found energy efficiency is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency can also reduce air pollution, lower energy bills and delay the need for new electricity infrastructure investment. The Report of the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Energy Efficiency is available from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

Impact of building energy efficiency on investment in energy infrastructure
Client: Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

In partnership with Energetics, the Institute carried out research to quantify the potential savings from reduced investment in new energy infrastructure that could be achieved by investing in more energy efficient buildings. The value of avoidable infrastructure investment achievable through energy efficiency was found to be highly significant. The building sector could eliminate all projected growth in Australia's carbon emissions to 2020 at a net economic benefit to society. Two complementary methods were used in this research. The first established the relationship between the impacts of building energy efficiency measures on peak electricity and gas demand at critical times when the supply systems are at maximum constraint. The second determined the cost of providing new electricity and gas infrastructure to meet growth in peak demand, using historical and planned infrastructure investment data. This project filled a research gap in the implications of peak demand reduction for energy efficiency initiatives in residential, commercial and industrial buildings and contributed to informing policy that aims to deliver emissions reductions at lowest cost to society.

Rebound effects in residential heating and cooling improvements
Client: NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Research into the rebound effect for residential heating and cooling improvements led to recommendations on how it might be possible to account for the rebound effect under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme . The rebound effect refers to a variety of mechanisms that reduce the potential energy savings from improved energy efficiency. For example, when a household installs insulation, the energy savings may be less than predicted by engineering calculations because the household chooses to use some of the savings to further improve thermal comfort by raising or lowering internal temperatures towards more desirable levels. The research found rebound effects are sufficiently important in some areas of energy efficiency policy that they should be explicitly taken into account when setting policy objectives and designing programs. Estimates of the rebound effect for several types of energy saving measures under various situations were used to support inclusion of such measures in the ESS Rule as Recognised Energy Savings Activities. The specific energy saving activities studied included residential heating and cooling improvements, improvements in the fabric of residential buildings, the efficiency of electric heating and air conditioning, the efficiency of gas heating and fuel switching from electrical to gas space heating appliances and systems.

Renewable energy options
Client: University of Technology, Sydney

Institute researchers investigated renewable energy options for UTS and the long-term financial implications of different options for UTS energy bills. The project was initiated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) in response to a student-led campaign for UTS to adopt 100% renewable energy, the need for a decision about current GreenPower purchases, changes in Australian Government policy and upward trends in energy prices. This project was one of several undertaken by Institute researchers for the University’s Environmental Sustainability Initiative (ESI) . This strategy supports the University’s commitment to embed sustainability throughout its operations.

Revitalising Central Dandenong – making the case for a trigeneration facility
Client: VicUrban

Institute researchers were commissioned to develop a submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) advocating that the regulatory environment should be amended to allow providers of distributed energy to more easily capture the value of their assets to the electricity network. Such changes would allow the trigeneration facility that is planned as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project, to capture the full extent of the economic benefits associated with trigeneration, making it more financially viable. The Revitalising Central Dandenong project is a Victorian State Government initiative in conjunction with VicUrban and City of Greater Dandenong. The precinct style development will involve, in addition to approximately 20 new commercial and residential buildings, a Central Trigeneration Facility that will provide locally generated electricity, heating and cooling to the precinct. This will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions as well as the opportunity to defer investment in electricity network infrastructure. In preparing the submission to the AER, the economic case for precinct-scale trigeneration was examined, the political landscape in electricity service provision was mapped and influential stakeholders were engaged. This project has the potential to set a precedent for distributed generation projects throughout Victoria and beyond by promoting regulatory change.

Trigeneration planning for UTS
Client: University of Technology, Sydney

Institute researchers have been coordinating the University’s investigation into the feasibility of establishing trigeneration on campus. They applied an economic model for trigeneration they had developed to shed light on the economic and financial implications of operating trigeneration on campus. This provided data on the magnitude of avoidable costs to the local distribution network that would be associated with reduced electricity load and the local production of electricity. This analysis formed the basis for the UTS planning process and subsequent discussions with the electricity network business. This project was one of several undertaken by Institute researchers for the University’s Environmental Sustainability Initiative (ESI) and specifically to meet its target of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The ESI supports the University’s commitment to embed sustainability throughout its operations.

Water Park precinct
Client: Western Sydney Parklands Trust

The Institute’s expertise in the latest and best sustainability practices in water, energy and waste management was called upon to develop Environmental Management Guidelines for a water theme park proposed for western Sydney. The Guidelines recommend actions that could be taken by the water park’s owners and operators to enhance the park’s environmental performance. Many of the actions could, if implemented, provide net financial benefits to the park’s operators in addition to achieving positive environmental outcomes. The challenge in creating a sustainable water theme park lies in using water as efficiently as possible and using alternative water supplies while maintaining the recreational value of the park. In conjunction with water efficiency measures, there are also opportunities to integrate water management at the park with energy and waste systems to maximise efficiency and minimise waste products across water, energy and waste. Incorporating energy management from the early planning stages of the project was recommended to enable integration of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) management practices into all phases of the proposed development, in order to minimise energy use and the overall impact of energy used at the park.

Wind power and renewables forum
Client: Leichhardt Municipal Council

The Institute’s Katie Ross was a member of an expert panel presenting on the range of renewable energy resources and technologies available, both at home and away from home at the Leichhardt Council Wind and Renewables Forum at Leichhardt Town Hall on Wednesday 28 July 2010. The forum was the result of a Council Resolution requesting that a forum be held to provide information to the public concerning community responses to the challenge of climate change, featuring presentations covering wind power and other renewable energy sources. As an expert in small wind power, Katie spoke about contemporary wind turbine technology and practical examples of successful small to medium scale community-based wind power installations. The aim of the forum was to provide information to individuals about renewable energy technologies and information to the community about commercial-scale wind power. See also the August 2010 ISF news story: Exciting times ahead for small wind energy in Australia

Wind site assessments - feasibility of distributed wind energy
Client: Waverley Council

Distributed wind energy now presents a real opportunity for local government to support clean energy, hedge against increasing energy costs and increase energy independence. The Institute conducted three site assessments for Waverley Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, to evaluate the potential for on-site distributed wind energy or small wind systems (1 kW to 100 kW). An Institute researcher, who is certified to conduct Small Wind Site Assessments, assessed the wind quantity and quality for each site. Information on available space, land use, above ground and underground infrastructure, zoning, soil type, proximity to neighbours and airports was to used to determine the best sites for wind turbine placement. Minimum tower height was calculated based on expected turbulence and wind shear as determined by data on surrounding ground clutter and topography. Site-specific data was used in calculations with verified power production curves for a variety of turbines to estimate annual energy output (kWh). Data for on-site energy consumption, the electrical characteristics of the site, tariffs, and eligibility for grants and Renewable Energy Certificates informed recommendations on the expected financial performance of a wind system. A return on investment was calculated using this data combined with estimates of the total installed cost of the wind system, yearly maintenance and insurance costs, as well as assumed rates of increase for the price of energy. The report and visual communication tool prepared for the Council summarise how a wind system would perform at each location.

Your Home fact sheet review
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

The Institute provided expert advice for updates to the Your Home Technical Manual fact sheets on Hot Water Service and Lighting. The Your Home Technical Manual contains detailed practical information for anyone building, buying or renovating or home who wants to design or build a more comfortable home with reduced impact on the environment.
View/download the Hot Water Services fact sheet
View/download the Lighting fact sheet

Case studies for the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program

Changing household behaviour on climate change in Queensland

Cities and climate change

Climate change education and advocacy for university students

Developing Trigeneration Energy in Sydney – Issues and Barriers

Development of a draft monitoring and evaluation plan for the Green Loans Program

Energy [R]evolution jobs - a global analysis

Greenhouse gas reduction inventory for the Australian Technology Network of Universities

Greenhouse gas reduction target

The labour market for electricians and training needs in the green economy

On-line information resources for low emission water heaters

Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) conversions

Smart Energy Zones policy and regulation discussion paper

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site

The water-energy nexus: literature review and field investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems

World Wide Views on Global Warming

Case studies for the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program
Client: Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism

The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures to prepare two case studies on industry experiences under the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Program. This program encourages large energy-using businesses to improve their energy efficiency. It does this by requiring businesses to identify, evaluate and report publicly on cost effective energy savings opportunities. The Institute visited two sites: the Nyrstar Port Pirie lead and zinc smelter and the Wolf Blass winery and packaging facility in the Barossa Valley. After collecting information on-site, the Institute prepared the text for two case studies to be published on the DRET web site. The final version of the Nyrstar case study prepared for DRET is available from: http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/Documents/energyefficiencyopps/PDF/Industry%20Case%20Study%20Nyrstar.pdf (PDF 533.18KB)

Changing household behaviour on climate change in Queensland
Client: Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management

Effective behaviour change by householders will be crucial if the Queensland government is to meet its Towards Q2 target to cut the State's carbon footprint by one third through reductions in electricity use, fuel consumption and waste to landfill. The Institute was commissioned to conduct research into the potential of behaviour change policies by the Premier's Council on Climate Change (PCCC). This advisory council, chaired by the Premier, provides high-level advice to the Queensland Government on climate change response. After examining contemporary theory and practice relating to effective behaviour change policy, Institute researchers made specific recommendations for behaviour change initiatives that can be implemented in Queensland. The report identifies key points of intervention in the activities that generate household greenhouse gas emissions. These include both new and revised actions that are supported by evidence from behaviour change theory and are applicable to Queensland. The PCCC prepared a working paper including recommendations based on the Institute's research, which is currently with the Queensland government for consideration.

Cities and climate change
Client: Australian Council of Capital City Lord Mayors

The role of Australian cities in addressing climate change was examined in preparation for the Climate Summit for Mayors prior to the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) in December 2009. The research report considered both medium- and long-term targets but focused on short-term action that could be undertaken by cities. The aim was to rebalance the Copenhagen debate with a stronger emphasis on short term action, to avoid the risk of “target fatigue” as communities become cynical about discussion relating mostly to long-term targets with too little attention to short-term action. The research examined the proportion of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions attributable to cities. It looked at the current emission targets adopted by Australian capital cities and the potential impact of the capital cities meeting their emissions targets on Australia’s total emissions. It also looked at additional measures that could be taken at the level of capital cities to further reduce emissions and how the Federal Government could effectively support such additional measures.

Climate change education and advocacy for university students
Client: Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW, Environmental Trust

Researchers from the Institute assisted the Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN), Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and UTS Environment Collective to develop and pilot a training program that equipped interested university students with the skills to undertake climate change education and advocacy. The training program and materials drew on existing research on communicating climate change and new research on the specific needs of university students. It also drew on the practical experience of ASEN and AYCC's existing school climate change education program. The objective of the training program was to provide university students with the skills to lead an effective response to climate change amongst their peers, in their university environment and in their future careers, and to encourage personal behaviour change.

Developing Trigeneration Energy in Sydney - Issues and Barriers
Client: City of Sydney

The City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision includes a target to achieve a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2030. The proposed development of 360MW of trigeneration capacity within its Local Government Area would help the City of Sydney meet this target. Research into the institutional barriers that could prevent the large-scale development of a trigeneration network in Sydney was undertaken by the Institute. A discussion paper that suggests ways to overcome these barriers was presented to the City of Sydney’s Trigeneration Working Group in September 2009. An Action Plan including a range of prioritized actions for several plausible scenarios was then developed to guide advocacy for regulatory reform by the group.

Development of a draft monitoring and evaluation plan for the Green Loans Program
Client: Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for the Australian Government's Green Loans Program. The Green Loans Program was a program that aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tonnes per annum by 2020 and to stimulate $1.1 billion in green investment. A robust Monitoring and Evaluation plan was needed to assess the impact and efficacy of the Green Loans Program during and after its implementation. The key objectives of the Green Loans Program included reductions in household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and stimulus for green investment and it was critical that the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan measured success in achieving these objectives. In addition, the Green Loans program will reduce water use, deliver economic benefits including employment and industry development and may encourage participants to become more informed about climate change or to take further action on climate change. The Monitoring and Evaluation Plan needed to measure all of these benefits and to assist in adapting the program to improve its effectiveness during implementation. More information on the Green Loans Program is available on the Green Loans web site (opens an external site).

Energy [R]evolution jobs - a global analysis
Client: Greenpeace International

The Institute was commissioned by Greenpeace International in March 2009 to undertake research and provide a global analysis of electricity sector jobs to 2030 for a business as usual and low carbon energy scenario. The analysis compares job numbers in 2010, 2020, and 2030 for the Greenpeace low carbon scenario published in 2008, Global Energy [R]evolution, A Sustainable Global Energy Outlook (2008) and for their business as usual case, which is the International Energy Agency 2007 world energy projection. ISF analysed job impacts for 10 global regions, and presents results for the world and for each region. The analysis also includes further detail for each of the G8 countries and for the EU27. It covers direct jobs in electricity generation and energy efficiency, and the changes that will result from the transformation from fossil fuel based generation to renewable energy. ISF reviewed existing studies of energy sector employment and modelled global job effects based on factors derived from these studies. ISF undertook new research to provide regionally based employment factors for coal supply, and to provide regional multipliers to use OECD employment factors in other regions. The Institute's research was the basis for the Greenpeace report 'Working for the Climate'.

Rutovitz, J. & Atherton, A.M. 2009, Energy sector jobs to 2030: a global analysis, [prepared for Greenpeace International], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download report (PDF 916.31)

Rutovitz, J., Atherton, A., Short, R. & Teske, S. 2009, Working for the climate: renewable energy & the green job [r]evolution, European Renewable Energy Council & Greenpeace International. Download/view report (opens an external site)

A seminar was held on 18 September 2009, to present the findings of these reports (Download/view flyer):

Mr Sven Teske, Greenpeace International's Renewable Energy Campaign Director presented the Greenpeace vision for a low carbon energy supply, and the policies needed to achieve it. Download/view slides (PDF 2.27MB).

Ms Jay Rutovitz, ISF researcher presented a global analysis of job creation in the electricity sector for the low carbon and business as usual futures, and the methodology ISF has developed to estimate global job effects. Download/view slides (PDF 1.33MB).

Greenhouse gas reduction inventory for the Australian Technology Network of Universities
Client: University of Technology, Sydney

An inventory of greenhouse gas emissions associated with campuses of the Australian Technology Network (ATN) group of Universities ’ was coordinated by Institute researchers on behalf of the University of Technology Sydney. The ATN is an alliance of five prominent Australian universities located in each mainland State namely: RMIT University, University of South Australia, Curtin University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Technology, Sydney. The inventory started in 2007 when targets and an initial baseline inventory were established for scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions. Emissions were calculated using the methods outlined in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System Measurement guide. Subsequent inventories were conducted in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The inventory will be used to measure progress towards the ATN’s commitment to reduce its aggregate greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 2007 levels by 2020. This ambitious target was the culmination of more than a year of research, technical analysis and negotiations. The target is supported by a comprehensive emission reduction strategy that prioritizes energy-saving measures and adoption of low-carbon energy sources.

Reidy, C. and Daly, J. 2010 Targeting a low-carbon university: a greenhouse gas reduction target for the Australian Technology Network of Universities, Climate Change Management, vol 1, 151-162 Download/view

Greenhouse gas reduction target
Client: Australian Technology Network

The Australian Technology Network of Universities (the ATN) is an alliance of five Australian universities from each mainland state, that collaborate on issues and concerns of shared interest. In February 2009, the ATN committed to reduce its aggregate greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 2007 levels by 2020. This ambitious target was the culmination of more than a year of technical analysis and political negotiations. The ATN engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) to facilitate and coordinate these activities. The target is supported by a comprehensive emission reduction strategy that prioritises energy saving measures and adoption of low-carbon energy sources.

The labour market for electricians and training needs in the green economy
Clients: Electrical Trades Union and the National Electrical and Communications Association

The Institute investigated the effect of transition to low carbon electricity supplies on overall and electrical trades employment in the energy sector in NSW. The research modelled job numbers associated with different renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and services, and made projections of how these numbers would change under different low carbon scenarios. It expands on similar studies by developing a methodology for identifying the specific occupations underlying those areas of job growth in renewable energy and energy efficiency. This enabled projections in electrical trades, engineering and other relevant occupations in NSW out to 2020. Based on desktop analysis and industry consultation, the research also identified gaps in continuing developing training available to electricians if the industry is to benefit from employment changes. Recommendations on key areas where continuing professional development training needs to be strengthened to assist the industry to deliver the services required by these low carbon scenarios were made based on this modelling.

On-line information resources for low emission water heaters
Client: Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

On-line information resources with detailed information on three low-emission water heater technologies were developed for the Australian Government’s web site on hot water systems based on research conducted by Institute researchers. These web pages provide the information on air-sourced heat pumps, electric-boosted solar water heaters and gas-boosted solar water heaters needed by householders who want to switch from greenhouse intensive hot water systems. Institute researchers supplemented information from a literature review with information gained from telephone interviews with suppliers of gas water heater technologies. They also developed pictures and diagrams to help describe the technology and how it works. Householders are given the information needed to help them choose an appropriate low-emission water heater for their specific circumstances, including information on suitable climate zones, installation and family size constraints and the range of options available within each technology category. Tips on how to maximise appliance performance and general maintenance are included as well as details on the relative energy and greenhouse intensity of each technology. This practical information will help the Australian Government meet its commitment to phase out greenhouse intensive hot water systems.

Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) conversions
Clients: Szencorp, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, Country Energy

A team led by Institute researchers has converted three Toyota Prius cars (a Hybrid Electric Vehicle) into PHEVs (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) by installing new battery and software technology. The PHEVs can be charged directly from the domestic power grid and combine the best attributes of electric cars (they cost less to run than petrol vehicles and can use renewable energy), with the efficiency of hybrid vehicles that can travel up to 1,000 km without refueling. The conversions involve fitting the car with extra batteries for greater storage and a power socket so it can be charged directly from the power grid. Unlike currently available petrol/electric hybrids that derive all their electrical energy from petrol, the PHEV can be charged up from a normal household power point. More on ISF's PHEVs

Smart Energy Zones policy and regulation discussion paper
Client: Sustainability Victoria

Research into key policy and regulatory issues as well as the lessons learnt from projects short-listed for the Victorian Smart Energy Zones (SEZ) Program was undertaken by Institute researchers. This was written up as a discussion paper that (1) identifies policy and regulatory issues that have a negative impact on the feasibility and practicability of local energy options, (2) recommends suitable measures and changes to the current policy and regulatory settings that would improve the feasibility and viability of the SEZ projects and of similar projects in the future, and (3) identifies key Victorian Government departments and agencies that need to be involved in the implementation of the proposed changes. The SEZ Program was established through the Environmental Sustainability Action Statement in 2006 and was designed to demonstrate how leading Victorian communities can dramatically cut greenhouse emissions through a combination of precinct-scale demand-side and supply-side energy solutions, or ‘local energy options’ (LEOs). Proponents short listed for the Program were required to submit a detailed business case in which they were asked to outline potential regulatory issues that might have a negative impact on the feasibility and transferability of their proposed project.

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site
Client: Elton Consulting

The Institute and Elton Consulting were commissioned by Frasers Property Australia to provide advice on improving the sustainability of the Frasers Broadway development. The former site of the Carlton and United Brewery is being developed to provide a mix of residential, commercial, retail and public spaces. The developer, Frasers Property, is committed to delivering a landmark green precinct on the western edge of Sydney’s CBD. ISF worked in partnership with Elton Consulting and other consultants to identify sustainability opportunities for the site, focusing particularly on reductions in energy use, water use, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Our work included detailed modelling of site energy and water use and options for reducing energy and water use, participation in stakeholder consultation processes, liaison with regulatory authorities, research on innovative sustainability options for the site and provision of high-level advice on sustainability strategies for the site. For further information on the Frasers Broadway development, see http://www.frasersbroadway.com.au/broadway/ (opens an external site)

The water-energy nexus: literature review and field investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems
Funded by: CSIRO water for a Healthy Country Flagships

Retamal, M.L., Abeysuriya, K.R., Turner, A.J., White, S. 2009, Water energy nexus literature review, [prepared for CSIRO], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download paper (PDF 346.54KB)

Retamal, M.L., Glassmire, J., Abeysuriya, K.R., Turner, A.J. & White, S. 2009, The Water-Energy Nexus: investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems, [prepared for CSIRO], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download paper (PDF 1.61MB)

World Wide Views on Global Warming

A group of 105 ordinary Australians came together in Sydney on 25 & 26 September 2009 to deliberate on international climate change action and develop policy recommendations. Participants in WWViews Australia were chosen to reflect the national demographics of age, ethnicity, income, family type, education and gender. They discussed the same questions put to citizens in 38 other countries over the same period. Recommendations were given to climate change negotiators prior to the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 15). The University of Technology, Sydney was the Australian partner of the international WWViews alliance and Institute researchers found sponsors, recruited the participants and facilitators, coordinated the event's logistics and compiled the results for the Australian event. Sponsors for the Australian event included UTS, Pricewaterhousecoopers, National Australia Bank and WWF Australia. This world-first global citizen engagement process used deliberative methods, producing more meaningful results than opinion polls. Participants were given the opportunity to learn about climate change issues and to then develop proposals through open dialogue. At the Australian event, 98% of the participants were found to be concerned about climate change and believed a binding global climate deal at COP 15 was urgent. The event also showed decision-making forums like this can feasibly be used to inform future policy on complex issues. The WWViews project won a highly commended prize in the International Association for Public Participation's annual awards in the robust public participation category.

Atherton, A.M. & Herriman, J. 2009, The World Wide Views Australia Story, [World Wide Views on Global Warming], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Atherton, A.M. & Herriman, J. 2009, The World Wide Views Australia Story - Summary, [World Wide Views on Global Warming], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/download

Australia's mitigation potential

Barangaroo Development sustainability framework

Carbon Offset Watch

Climate change education and advocacy for university students

Cogeneration in NSW: Review and Analysis of Opportunities

Cogeneration Solutions Workshop

Green infrastructure plan workshops

Intelligent Grid - P4 Institutional Barriers, Stakeholder Engagement and Economic Modelling

North Eveleigh carriageworks sustainable water and energy management options

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site

North Eveleigh energy management plan
Client: Redfern Waterloo Authority

The Redfern Waterloo Authority engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures to undertake an Energy Management Plan for the North Eveleigh carriage works site. The Energy Management Plan (EMP) provided input to the Masterplan for the site's redevelopment. The aim of the EMP was to determine options for sustainable energy management, examine the technical and economic feasibility of those options and provide recommendations for energy management on the site when it is redeveloped for residential and commercial uses. The report outlined sustainable and restorative energy targets for the site and modelled options that could achieve these targets.

Green infrastructure plan workshops
Client: City of Sydney

The City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision includes a target to achieve a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2030. One of the key ideas for achieving this ambitious target is the development of a network of Green Transformers across the City that will incorporate cogeneration energy plants, water recycling and potentially waste to energy conversion. The network of Green Transformers could supply 330MW of power by 2030 and it is hoped that this can deliver a 20% reduction from business as usual emissions by 2030. The City of Sydney engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures to prepare, facilitate and document two workshops to decide on the next steps for moving towards the Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision for Green Transformers. The workshops had three main objectives: 1) Provide the Sydney 2030 Executive with a brief update on previous work on cogeneration and trigeneration in the Sydney context and its implications for next steps; 2) Define the scope of a Green Transformers Plan for the City of Sydney, i.e. which of the numerous opportunities for further work in this area are high priorities for the City of Sydney; 3) Identify and prioritise the actions required to develop a Green Transformers Plan for the City of Sydney.

Australia's mitigation potential
Client: Climate Action Network Australia

The Institute prepared a paper for Climate Action Network titled 'Australia's mitigation potential: why Australia should not receive another special deal'. The paper was compiled with input from Australia Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Oxfam Australia, World Vision Australia and WWF Australia. The paper was used for CANA's side event presentations at the Bali Climate Change Conference.

Cogeneration Solutions Workshop
Client: Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW

The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) to host and facilitate a cogeneration stakeholder consultation workshop. The workshop was attended by cogeneration installers, energy consultants, developers, representatives from government, energy utilities and organisations that have installed cogeneration and other relevant stakeholders. Dr Chris Riedy, Research Director at ISF facilitated the workshop and a small number of industry stakeholders acted as panelists to field questions as a launch to the discussions.The issues for discussion included: retail licensing and contestability; network connection; air quality; and  Government support. A number of proposed solutions and recommendations for change emerged and were documented in the workshop summary report.

Barangaroo Development sustainability framework
Client: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA)

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) invited Institute researchers to develop a sustainability framework and conduct energy and water infrastructure modelling for the Barangaroo renewal project being managed by SHFA at the site formerly known as East Darling Harbour. A concept plan for the mix of commercial, residential, tourist, retail and community uses for this 22-hectare land parcel on Sydney Harbour was endorsed by the Minister in February 2007. This plan makes a commitment to pursuing the highest environmental return possible in terms of water, power and waste technology, as well as environmental building and design excellence processes. The Institute developed a framework featuring six overarching principles to guide future development of the site. This framework was used by the ISF researchers as they developed detailed models for energy and water infrastructure for the site that looked at ways of absolutely minimising demand through high level efficiency, such as water- free cooling and vacuum toilets, as well as interesting ways of meeting that demand, for example, site-wide co-generation of heat and electricity, on site energy storage, water recycling and use of roof water for showering. The report on water options included models for precinct wide flows (demands, potable, greywater, stormwater, rainwater) These details were then used to provide a quantity surveyor with the information required to cost different options. A workshop was held to further discuss targets and options, and develop options to a level of detail that would enable creation of a conceptual design for the Barangaroo site. Following the development of a conceptual design by an engineering firm, a joint preliminary costing exercise was conducted by the engineering firm and ISF. The preliminary costing provided a sense of whether the market could cope with the proposed targets and options. More information on the development of the Barangaroo site can be found at http://www.barangaroo.com/

Carbon Offset Watch

The voluntary market for carbon offset products is expanding rapidly in Australia. Many large organisations have announced plans to become carbon neutral and many businesses are selling products that allow consumers to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. There has been little scrutiny of the products on offer to consumers. At this early stage of market development, Australian consumers are at high risk of putting their money into products that do not deliver the environmental benefits they expect. In collaboration with the Total Environment Centre and CHOICE, this project produced guidance on carbon offset products and retailers that helps consumers to make informed decisions about their participation in this market.
More information:
Carbon Offset Watch summary (Download/view (PDF 3.23MB))
Carbon Offset Watch assessment, methodology and results presentation ( Download/view (PDF 310.59KB))
Carbon Offset Watch 2008 assessment report ( Download/view (PDF 243.99KB))
Carbon Offset website(opens an external site)

Climate change education and advocacy for university students
Client: NSW Government's Environmental Trust

ISF worked with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), Australian Student Environmental Network (ASEN) and UTS Environment Collective to develop and pilot a training program that will equip interested university students with the skills to undertake climate change education and advocacy. The training program and materials draw on existing research on communicating climate change and new research on the specific needs of university students. It also draws on the practical experience of AYCC's existing school climate change education program. The objective of the training program is to provide university students with the skills to lead an effective response to climate change amongst their peers, in their university environment and in their future careers, and to encourage personal behaviour change.

Partridge, E. & Atherton, A. 2008, What do UTS students think about climate change? survey results, [prepared for the New South Wales Government's Environmental Trust], Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, View/Download paper (PDF 1.22MB)

Training materials:

Workshop program. Download/view (PDF 100.39KB)

Climate Science Update presentation. Download/view (PDF 22.23MB)

Climate Solutions presentation. Download/view (PDF 19.99MB)

The Climate Leadership Journey Workbook. Download/view (PDF 181.27KB)

Children of the Future - Storytelling exercise. Download/view(PDF 35.72KB)

Imagining Displacement for Climate Refugees: the Ball Bearing Demonstration. Download/view (PDF 81.08KB)

A Just Transition to a clean, renewable energy economy is urgent and possible by Geoff Evans Download/view (PDF 78.35KB)

Charts adapted from Moyer, Bill. The Practical Strategist. San Francisco: Social Movement Empowerment Projecy, 1990. Download/view (PDF 17.06KB)

Negotiating 101: Some helpful stuff to help you negotiate effectively and successfully in your university or workplace.  Download/view (PDF 74.42KB)

Planning and promoting events. Download/view (PDF 83.77KB)

Training evaluation. Download/view (PDF 64.68KB)

Intelligent Grid - P4   Institutional Barriers, Stakeholder Engagement and Economic Modelling
Client: CSIRO

ISF has been appointed as the Cluster Leader for the new Intelligent Grid Cluster, a collaborative research project under CSIRO's Energy Transformed Flagship. The Cluster includes seven collaborative research projects.

In addition to the Cluster Leader role, ISF is undertaking the research project on Institutional Barriers, Stakeholder Engagement and Economic Modelling. For the Intelligent Grid to fulfill its potential, it is essential that all relevant benefits and costs are identified, understood and evaluated. The aim of this project is to clearly elaborate the market benefits and effects (including CO2 reduction) of large scale distributed energy (distributed generation and demand management) deployment in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM).
The project consists of five parts:
Part 1: Review of Benefits and Barriers to Intelligent Grid and its components
Part 2: Report on economic regulatory barriers to Intelligent Grid development and mechanisms to overcome them
Part 3: Business deliberation on Intelligent Grids and DE
Part 4: Calculating dynamic localised avoidable network costs (DANCE model)
Part 5: Develop a Robust Transparent D.E. Evaluation Model (D-CODE Model)
The project will contribute towards accelerated uptake of demand management, distributed energy and time-of-use pricing and consequent major economic savings.

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site
Client: Elton Consulting

In August 2007, the Institute for Sustainable Futures and Elton Consulting were commissioned by Frasers Property Australia to provide advice on improving the sustainability of the Frasers Broadway development. The former site of the Carlton and United Brewery is being developed to provide a mix of residential, commercial, retail and public spaces. ISF has provided ongoing input into the Sustainability Strategy and options for the site, as well as detailed energy and water modelling input.
Frasers Broadway: http://www.frasersbroadway.com.au/broadway/ (opens an external site)

Cogeneration in NSW: Review and Analysis of Opportunities
Client: Department of Planning (NSW)

ISF is undertaking a status report on cogeneration in NSW for public release. This report will build on findings of the Demand Management and Planning Project which has investigated 81 opportunities for cogeneration in a range of commercial, industrial and other applications. Net cost savings and payback periods were calculated for each opportunity. Analysis and publication of these data would be valuable to demonstrate the viability of cogeneration to regulators and the marketplace.
The report will:
1. Explain cogeneration technology for a general audience
2. Outline the benefits and costs of cogeneration (e.g. reduced energy costs and peak demand, greenhouse gas reduction, reliability improvements)
3. Provide a status report on implementation of cogeneration, focusing on NSW but also providing some international and national context
4. Analyse the economics of cogeneration in NSW, based on investigations by the Demand Management and Planning Project
5. Present case studies of successful applications of cogeneration
6. Discuss the approval process for cogeneration and any regulatory barriers that currently exist
7. Provide recommendations on how to increase the penetration of cogeneration and similar distributed generation technologies.

Australian energy and transport subsidies 2005-06

Capital region climate change forum

Channel 10 'Cool Aid' Special

Energy efficiency in buildings: a survey of building managers

Evaluation of Energy and Water Savings from WaterFix Retrofits

Footprinting Greenhouse Emissions - Greenpeace Australia Pacific

Lifting the bar on water and energy infrastructure in Canberra greenfield developments

North Eveleigh carriageworks sustainable water and energy management options

Review of NSW D-Factor and alternatives

Review of the economic case for privatisation of the NSW electricity industry

3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative: discussion of a national roll-out

Urban Planning Impacts - UTS Challenge Grant

Wind power in NSW

Evaluation of Energy and Water Savings from WaterFix Retrofits
Client: Sydney Water Corporation

This collaborative project involved original applied research to develop an estimate of the energy and water savings resulting from Sydney Water's WaterFix and DIY retrofit programs. The WaterFix program involves a plumber visiting a household to install water saving equipment. The DIY program provides householders with a kit they can install themselves. Rather than using an estimated saving per retrofit, the project used actual water and energy billing data to evaluate the savings achieved in practice by retrofits. This required cooperation between the Institute, EnergyAustralia and Sydney Water to integrate energy and water usage data from different customer databases. The methodological approach involved matching each retrofit participant with a non-participating control, using geographic information and data on usage patterns. The consumption differences between the matched pairs were then evaluated. The results of the analysis remain confidential at this time.

Review of NSW D-Factor and alternatives
Client: Total Environment Centre

This project, undertaken in association with the U.S. Regulatory Assistance Project, provided research services to the Total Environment Centre to produce an Issues Paper investigating the NSW's D-Factor mechanism and related issues. The context for the project was to ensure that when regulation of electricity distribution network service providers is transferred to the national level from 2008, it incorporates appropriate and effective incentives for demand management (DM). The report reviewed theory and practice of distribution network regulation and its influence on DM, to enable fundamental principles to be identified. Network regulation that takes place in NSW and other States was discussed in the context of the transition to a national regulatory system. In particular, the performance of the D-Factor since its introduction in 2004/05 was assessed in terms of its impact on DM investment by the three NSW distribution network service providers (DNSPs). We have held discussions with the DNSPs and analysed their reported DM investments to draw preliminary conclusions on the influence of the D-Factor on DM investment. The report discusses the pros and cons of adopting a D-Factor-like measure and its alternatives nationally.

Dunstan, C. & Abeysuriya, K.,  2008, Win, Win, Win: regulating electricity distribution networks for reliability, consumers and the environment: review of the NSW D-Factor and alternative mechanisms to encourage demand management, [prepared for the Total Environment Centre], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney. Download/view (PDF 1.22MB)

Footprinting Greenhouse Emissions - Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Client: Greenpeace Australia-Pacific

ISF worked with Greenpeace to footprint direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with Greenpeace's operations and to identify opportunities to reduce or offset emissions. ISF applied a Carbon Management Framework to:
- measure all direct CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions of the operations of Greenpeace Australia Pacific Ltd.
- identify areas where emission reductions are possible and make recommendations.
- audit all Greenpeace's operations that produce indirect emissions and rank these in order according to the ability to reduce these emissions
ISF developed a reporting format and tools that will enable Greenpeace to measure and report their own emissions in future years. In addition estimated indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of products and services in an office environment, including paper products, stationery, printing services and couriers. ISF developed new methods for assessing indirect emissions from these products and services that will be applicable in other situations.

Review of the economic case for privatisation of the NSW electricity industry
Client: Public Interest Advocacy Centre

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures to review the economic case for privatisation of the NSW electricity industry, as presented by the Owen Inquiry into Electricity Supply in NSW. The review examined experiences with electricity industry privatisation elsewhere, assessed the economic assumptions to build the case for privatisation in the Owen Report and considered alternative approaches to meet the objective of supplying base load power while maintaining the State's credit rating. The report found that the case for privatisation presented in the Owen Inquiry was based on numerous problematic assumptions and that there was strong justification for alternative assumptions that made privatisation look less attractive - economically, environmentally and socially. The report proposed an alternative approach to secure the future of the NSW electricity industry, focused on strong climate change response and support for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Riedy, C & Daly, J, 2007, Electricity supply in NSW: Alternatives to privatisation, [prepared for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney.  Download/view (PDF 1.53MB)

North Eveleigh carriageworks sustainable water and energy management options
Client: Redfern Waterloo Authority

Sustainable water management options were developed for the North Eveleigh carriageworks site, an eleven hectare site in inner city Sydney scheduled for redevelopment by the Redfern Waterloo Authority as a mixed use precinct. ISF researchers modelled options for water efficiency, integrated water cycle management and water sensitive urban design on the site within a sustainability framework that set clear targets and actions for achieving a 'sustainable' or 'restorative' development. These options were presented as a Water Management Plan, which provided input for the site's environmental assessment and overall masterplan. An Energy Management Plan (EMP) was also developed for the site. The aim of the EMP was to determine options for sustainable energy management, examine the technical and economic feasibility of those options and provide recommendations for energy management on the site when it is redeveloped for residential and commercial uses. The report outlined sustainable and restorative energy targets for the site and modelled options that could achieve these targets.

3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative: discussion of a national roll-out
Client: City of Sydney

The 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative is a Sydney-based program run by City of Sydney, North Sydney and Parramatta City Councils. It supports commercial office tenants in the three central business districts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving their energy efficiency and, hence, their climate change impact. Progress is measured annually using the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) scheme. This project evaluated the most appropriate options for a successful national roll-out of the program, taking into consideration the following key parameters: delivery of tangible policy outcomes; cost-effectiveness; and realistic timeframes. The project team reviewed relevant literature and conducted interviews with stakeholders to evaluate what had and had not worked during the original project. It considered the advantages and difficulties of extending a highly successful local project to a national audience and suggested possible models that could be used to do so. Further information on the 3CBDs Initiative can be found on the City of Sydney 3CBDs Initiative website: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/3cbds/ (opens an external site)

Australian energy and transport subsidies 2005-06
Client: Greenpeace Australia-Pacific

The Institute for Sustainable Futures has undertaken several projects to estimate the magnitude of energy and transport subsidies in Australia. These projects have revealed that most of the energy and transport subsidies in Australia support the production or use of fossil fuels, rather than energy efficiency or renewable energy. As such, the current pattern of subsidies contributes to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007, Greenpeace Australia-Pacific and ISF jointly funded an updated estimate of energy and transport subsidies for the 2005-06 financial year. The new report identified more than $9 billion in energy and transport subsidies in 2005-06, with more than 96% of these subsidies supporting fossil fuel production and use and less than 4% supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The majority of the subsidies - about 74% - are in the transport sector. The report concluded that there is strong justification for the gradual removal of specific energy and transport subsidies that encourage greenhouse gas emissions, as long as the social equity impact of subsidy removal is considered. Download/view report (PDF 2.87MB)

Capital region climate change forum
Client: NSW Greenhouse Office

In December 2006, the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology, Sydney held an innovative event called the Capital Region Climate Change Forum. The Forum ran over three days in Canberra and was funded by the NSW and ACT Governments. It used a citizens' jury format to bring together twenty randomly-selected citizens to deliberate on how Australia's Capital Region should respond to climate change.

The primary objectives of the Forum were to:

• Test the use of a citizens' jury as a way of helping the community to engage with the issue of climate change and develop informed recommendations on how to respond
• Provide a greater understanding of how the community in the Capital Region would like to respond to climate change
• Improve understanding of community perspectives on climate change more broadly.

In addition, the Forum was intended as a pilot for a larger process that could be held Australia-wide to improve communication of climate change issues and facilitate direct participation of Australian citizens in decisions on how to respond to climate change.

The citizens demonstrated their ability to engage with complex material and develop an integrated response in the form of a Citizens' Report. The participants were generally satisfied with the process and many were inspired by the opportunity to learn about climate change and have their say on how we should respond.

However, there were also many lessons and opportunities for improvement identified from the pilot that are documented in the Evaluation Report. Download/view report (PDF 1.61MB).

Channel 10 'Cool Aid' Special
Client: Beyond Productions

The Institute for Sustainable Futures played a major role in a prime-time television special on global warming, which aired nationally in Network Ten in March 2007. The show's aim was to raise community awareness of climate change and provide simple illustrations of what the average person can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Our role was to provide general research support, develop a 'national carbon quiz' for the TV audience, develop and conduct on-camera carbon audits of a number of different celebrity households and calculate audit results. The carbon audits encompassed a broad range of aspects including household energy use, transport, waste, food and general consumption of goods. This project demonstrates ISF's expertise in translating and communicating complex sustainability concepts in a simple and easy to understand way.

Energy efficiency in buildings: a survey of building managers
Client: Department of Planning (NSW)

The DMPP had previously conducted around 900 audits of energy reduction opportunities at a large number of sites in Sydney CBD and in the Sutherland-St George area. ISF conducted online survey research to measure the impact of these audits and to explore organisations' views about energy efficiency more broadly. The survey research was complemented by a literature review to draw out the findings of similar research undertaken in Australia and elsewhere, with a view to comparing the findings of the survey to those of previous projects. Taken together, the survey analysis and literature review identify key barriers to the take-up of energy efficiency measures, as well as potential opportunities to overcome these barriers. The DMPP will use the research to inform the development of more effective demand reduction strategies.

Download/view report: Partridge, E.Y. & McGee, C. 2007. Customer Survey Feedback from Demand Management and Planning Project, [prepared for NSW Department of Planning], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney.

An article about this research; 'Beyond Earth Hour', by Emma Partridge; was published in the May/June 2007 edition of EcoGeneration, the magazine of the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (Issue 40). Read 'Beyond Earth Hour', in EcoGeneration magazine: http://www.ecogeneration.com.au (opens an external site)

Wind power in NSW
Client: Nature Conservation Council of NSW

The Institute for Sustainable Futures was engaged by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW to prepare a report and resource kit on the role of wind power in NSW. This material provides information to the NCC's members and other interested stakeholders in the form of fact sheets detailing: the planning and approval process; capturing benefits and addressing concerns; and supporting wind power. The report outlines the benefits of wind energy, the current state of science in relation to wind power, community objections to wind power and ways that wind farm design, planning and community consultation might be improved. The work includes development of case studies of wind farm development in Australia to demonstrate best-practice and a series of recommendations suggesting ways in which the industry can develop in NSW. The full report and fact sheets are available from the Nature Conservation Council (NSW) web site (opens an external site)

Lifting the bar on water and energy infrastructure in Canberra greenfield developments
Client: Land Development Agency

The Institute was commissioned by the ACT's Land Development Agency to assist in creating guidelines for potential joint venture participants for the latest greenfield development at the northern ACT suburb of Crace. Like other State Government land developers, LDA's role encompasses industry leadership. LDA's vision for Crace is that it should set a new standard in sustainability initiatives in the ACT, so LDA has high expectations for water and energy demand and supply. ISF reviewed the opportunities for Crace, and specified targets that align with LDA's intentions, and are qualitatively different from current thinking what is best practice. The notional targets set significant water and energy use reductions for the residential land release. They are strong targets, relative to current best practice, with a focus on efficiency first (e.g. efficient appliances for water, high level passive solar design for energy, then source substitution for water (e.g. raintanks, greywater reuse, sewer mining) and low emission and/or renewables for energy (e.g. solar hot water and efficient gas heating provisions).

Urban Planning Impacts - UTS Challenge Grant
Funded by: University of Technology, Sydney

We aim to foster innovative, sustainable approaches to city planning through an interdisciplinary collaboration, that addresses the current disconnect between urban planning and environmental impacts. This project will review existing planning models for transport, population and land use, and develop a modelling framework that links these components. This integrated framework will enable environmental impacts (e.g. greenhouse emissions, energy and water consumption) of future city planning configurations to be assessed. A Sydney based case-study will demonstrate the approach, inform policy and assist in facilitating applications for external funding. This project has the potential to significantly improve decision-making for urban planning.

Why brown coal should stay in the ground - Greenhouse implications of the proposed expansion of brown coal mining in Victoria

Contribution to Australia Institute Geosequestration Discussion Paper

Economic instruments in the retail electricity market

Effective communication on climate change: web toolkit

Interval meter trials and small consumers

Newington demographic study

Solar water heater survey

ISF Contribution to Australia Institute Geosequestration Discussion Paper
Client: Australian Conservation Foundation

With funding assistance from the Australian Conservation Foundation and Greenpeace, ISF's Chris Riedy co-authored an Australia Institute discussion paper that examines how much emissions abatement geosequestration - the underground storage of greenhouse gases - might deliver, how soon it might do so, what the cost of such abatement might be and how it compares with other energy policy options to reduce emissions. The paper provides quality and authoritative information to inform the public policy debate on how to manage the problem of greenhouse gas emissions. The Discussion Paper is Number 72 in the Australia Institute Discussion Paper series and is available at http://www.tai.org.au/documents/downloads/DP72.pdf (PDF 32.86KB)

Economic instruments in the retail electricity market
Client: Home Energy Audit Pty Ltd

ISF advice was sought by the Home Energy Ausit Pty Ltd (HEA) on opportunities to convert economic instruments available in the electricity market into sources of revenue. Economic instruments examined included Mandatory Renewable Energy Certificates, Demand Side Abatement to generate NSW Greenhouse Abatement Certificates, payments by electricity distributors for peak load reductions and payments from the National Electricity Market for demand reduction bids. HEA wishes to implement a Home Energy Audit service for Australian homeowners. The audit is envisaged as a staged process of an on-site data collection and assessment, followed by a written report providing evaluation and recommendations for improvement.

Effective Communication on Climate Change: Web Toolkit
Client: Climate Action Network Australia

During 2006, the Climate Action Network Australia (CANA) undertook qualitative and quantitative research on how to effectively communicate climate change. CANA engaged ISF to develop the results of this research into a web toolkit on effective communication of climate change. The web toolkit is aimed at CANA's member groups and provides guidance on how to effectively communicate climate change issues, summaries of the research findings, examples of how to apply the research findings and the detailed research reports. ISF designed and presented a workshop on the web toolkit for the 2006 CANA Conference to introduce CANA members to the research and the various resources available in the web toolkit. The toolkit has since been used by CANA members as an input to their campaigning work.

Interval Meter Trials and Small Consumers
Client: Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre
The ISF discussion paper: Interval Meter Trials and Small Consumers is available from CUAC's website.

Newington Demographic Study
Client: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (NSW)

The Newington Demographic Study investigated the demographic, behavioural and infrastructure-related factors influencing observed patterns of electricity demand in 30 homes in Newington, in western Sydney. The Study was undertaken in 2005 for the Demand Management and Planning Project, a partnership between the NSW Department of Planning, TransGrid and EnergyAustralia. Electricity demand was monitored in 30 Newington homes over a 12-month period. Although the homes are essentially identical in terms of physical structure, significant differences were identified in electricity demand patterns. The research used a survey and statistical analysis to investigate the characteristics of the households and assess the impact of these characteristics on the metered patterns of electricity consumption. While the sample was too small to allow general conclusions to be drawn, it was evident that behaviour (e.g. occupancy patterns) and the type of appliances installed had more influence on energy demand than demographic characteristics or building structure. This has important implications for the design of programs that aim to reduce household electricity consumption. A focus on changing behaviour is critical. The full Newington Demographic Study report (PDF 4.11MB) is available from the Demand Management and Planning Project website (opens an external site).

Solar Water Heater Survey
Client: Leichhardt Municipal Council

The performance of Leichhardt Council's energy efficiency development control plan (DCP 17) that requires the installation of solar hot water systems in new houses was assessed by surveying households with solar hot water systems. Mail questionnaires and in depth interviews covering a wide range of issues were conducted with more than 30 householders in the area who had installed solar water heaters to ascertain their attitudes to the policy and to solar water heaters generally. The results were used to assess the environmental outcomes of Leichhardt Municipal Council's Development Control Plan 17 -- Energy Efficient Housing (DCP 17), which came into operation in June 1994.

Why brown coal should stay in the ground - Greenhouse implications of the proposed expansion of brown coal mining in Victoria
Client: Climate Action Network Australia

ISF was engaged by the Australian Gas Association, Climate Action Network Australia, and the Australian Conservation Foundation to write an extended briefing paper comparing the emissions from brown coal power stations and coal-to-oil projects with other fuels and technologies. The paper assesses the impact of expansion scenarios on national and international emissions and atmospheric concentrations. In addition, the paper outlines the risks and costs of both geosequestration and payment for greenhouse gas emissions. The report found that no brown coal-based technology is likely to deliver reduced greenhouse gas emissions, while some new brown coal-based technologies would make the situation worse. It also found that investment in brown coal projects would defer the uptake of renewable energy and implementation of energy efficiency programs.

Climate change and water in Australia

Climate change and water in Australia
Client: Climate Action Network Australia

At a time when much of Australia was in the midst of the worst drought on record, ISF collaborated with project partners from the water industry, insurance industry and environmental sector to focus attention on the impact that climate change is projected to have on agricultural and urban water supply security. ISF undertook a comprehensive literature review of recent research on water and climate change in Australia, covering projected changes in rainfall and water systems and impacts on cities, farmers and the environment. The literature review was written up as an annotated bibliography. The work was funded by the Climate Action Network Australia with a grant from the Myer Foundation. ISF's research was used to develop a publicly accessible website on climate change and water in Australia. The website may be viewed at http://www.cana.net.au/water/index.html (opens an external site)

Community EmPOWERment: Communities have their say on electricity

Community EmPOWERment: Communities have their say on electricity
Client: Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd

In early 2004, Moreland Energy Foundation Limited engaged the Institute to conduct social research on Improving Demand Management Choices for Small Customers in the National Electricity Market (the Community Empowerment Project). The National Consumers Electricity Advocacy Panel (NCEAP) and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) funded the research. The primary objectives of the research were to investigate the social influences on household electricity consumption, improve understanding of barriers to demand management at the household level and identify promising policy actions to allow householders to better manage their electricity use. A secondary objective was to educate householders on practical actions that they can take to reduce their electricity bills. Workshops were held in Victoria and Sydney, with a diverse range of people participating including low income, non-English speaking, and indigenous households among others. This work was written up in a Research Report, intended as a resource document for subsequent advocacy work, coordinated by Moreland Energy Foundation. The research was used to recommend and advocate changes to legislation, regulations, codes, policies and regulatory and industry structures. More information is available from Moreland Energy Foundation's website: http://www.mefl.com.au/community/service/43/ (opens an external site)

Enforceable greenhouse benchmarks in NSW

NSW Enforceable Greenhouse Benchmarks Submission - Nature Conservation Council
The Institute assisted the Combined Environment Groups to prepare a submission on the "Greenhouse related license conditions for electricity retailers" and "Framework for the use of carbon sequestration to offset emissions" Position Papers in February 2002. The submission provided clients with a policy analysis of the NSW Government's Position Paper on proposed mandatory greenhouse benchmarks. Salient points included a discussion of carbon sequestration, environmental risks, costs and benefits and the impact on prices.

A survey on education and training in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas issues

A survey on education and training in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas issues
Client: ABEC Partner Funds

The Report on Education and Training for the Australian Building Industry prepared by the Institute on behalf of the Australian Greenhouse Office and the Australian Building Energy Council used an 'Engineering for Sustainability' first year flagship course by the UTS Engineering Faculty as a best practice case study to illustrate how tertiary education can deliver training aimed at enabling more sustainable practices in the building and construction industry. The report, completed in April 2002, presented the barriers to the implementation of best practice and outlined a draft communications strategy to ensure the outcomes of the study are implemented.

Capitalising demand management into the asset base

Cooperatives and regional Australia in the new energy market

Energy assessment of alterations and additions

Policy toolkit for efficient management of energy, water and stormwater in Sydney

Study of standby electricity use

Training materials for SEDA's Energy Smart Homes policy

Urban Consolidation Challenge: Review of Environmental Impacts

Study of standby electricity use
Client: Sustainable Energy Development Authority

Standby use, also known as 'leaking electricity' and 'phantom loads' refers to the energy consumed by appliances when they are switched 'off' and/or are drawing mains power when not performing their principal function. This is most often associated with remote control operation and the proliferation of plug pack mains adaptors which are used for a wide range of appliances. The Institute examined the significance of standby electricity consumption in appliances in NSW households for the NSW Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA). It estimated that the average household constantly 'leaks' more than 50W. When it is considered that most of these appliances are connected to the electricity supply continuously this amounts to an energy consumption of about 500kWh per year, which represents 5-10% of the average household's electricity usage.

Cooperatives and regional Australia in the new energy market.
The Institute, together with the Australian Centre for Cooperative Research and Development (ACCORD), examined the role of cooperatives in the restructured energy market, with a focus on rural and regional Australia. As part of this project, a forum was held in December 2000 to discuss issues faced by rural and regional Australia and cooperatives in a competitive energy market. The proceedings (PDF 665.5KB) of this forum are available from this web site.

Capitalising demand management into the asset base
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre's Utility Consumers' Advocacy Program (UCAP) requested that the Institute for Sustainable Futures assess the option of capitalising the value of demand management projects into the Regulated Asset Base. Specifically, UCAP asked the Institute to provide advice on the option of capitalising the value of demand management projects into the asset base for the determination of NSW networks prices 2004-08 by IPART.

Energy assessment of alterations and additions
As part of the development of its Energy Smart Water Wise DCP, Marrickville wanted to determine the reasonable parameters for establishing energy efficiency requirements for alterations and additions. This is largely due to the particular nature of housing in the Marrickville area, an older high density inner city suburb. The project selected a range of typical applications for alterations and additions, assessed their energy efficiency using the NatHERS computer program and examined what would have been required to achieve in terms of energy efficiency measure to achieve various Star Ratings. The cost of these measures was compared to the total cost of the development to assist the council to determine a level of acceptable cost.

Policy toolkit on energy, water and stormwater efficiency for Sydney
This toolkit was developed by ISF staff and several other consultants to assist ten Sydney councils to implement energy, water and stormwater efficiency policies. The toolkit enables Councils to tailor their approach depending on the requirements of their own area when formulating residential Development Control Plans (DCPs). The toolkit has been successfully used by Marrickville Council in preparing its Energy Smart Water Wise Development Control Plan.

SEDA Energy Smart Homes Policy Training Materials
Training materials were produced to inform housing design and development stakeholders, such as architects, building designers, land developers, builders and product suppliers, of the purpose, requirements and benefits of SEDA's Smart Home Policy. This policy that requires new homes to have a minimum energy rating can save householders money on heating and cooling bills by making their homes as energy efficient as possible and has been widely adopted by councils throughout NSW. A number of targeted training booklets covering a wide range of energy efficiency issues were developed and trialed in collaboration with UTS Training and Development Services. SEDA has now licensed independent trainers to use the materials on a commercial basis.

Urban Consolidation Challenge: Review of Environmental Impacts
A review of studies which compared the environmental impacts of different types of urban development in Australian cities was undertaken. Impacts covered by the studies included energy, greenhouse, urban air pollution and water use. The review included analysis of methodological limitations of the studies and their potential application to Sydney.

Project reports

Book chapters

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Books

Book chapters

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Book chapters

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Project reports

Conference papers

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Books

Other

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Book chapters

Other

Project reports

Conference papers

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Conference papers

Journal articles

Project reports

Conference papers

Project reports

Conference papers

Project reports

Journal articles

Book chapters

Project reports

Journal articles

Project reports

Conference papers

Journal articles

Books

Project reports

Project reports