The first group of print companies to enrol for energy efficiency training to combat spiralling energy costs in NSW completed a one day course in Sydney last week.
The group were the first to undertake a free energy efficiency workshop run by Printing Industries in partnership with the Office of Environment & Heritage NSW, SD Environmental Management and Applied Training Solutions.
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| First Sydney energy efficiency course participants - July 2011 |
Participants included Canprint Communications and Cactus Imaging of the Opus Group; Prografica, Torch Publishing and Coaster Kings.
They were shown how to track energy use and the benefits of doing this. They also received a 10-step guide to developing and implementing an Energy Conservation Plan and were coached on managing behaviour change within the company, integrating energy efficiency into business plans and overcoming staff cultural barriers.
Participants benefited from case studies including WHO Printing from Newcastle, which was used to help print model the course as well as Bright Print and other Australian printing companies and an international case study from Canada.
The News Limited study showed that after improving the efficiency of its air compressors and air conditioning, the company was able to make a further 33 per cent energy saving by reducing the voltage of its florescent lighting. Payback was in less than 12 months.
Printing Industries National Manager, Learning and Development, Ian Walz, said the participants finished the course with a far greater understanding of the many ways business energy usage can be reduced and the influence and role of energy patterns of both business and residential users.
“We identified the need for this course during our Sustainable Green Print (SGP) workshops which showed companies needed to have greater knowledge of energy management to lessen their environmental impact and to improve their bottom line profitability,” he said.
“The reality is that energy costs are increasing and like any business cost, must be managed. This course provides companies with the know-how to start the process, a process that can very quickly yield returns.”
The one-day course is provided free and companies are able to send two representatives. The remaining Wednesday 3 August is almost full but places are still available for Thursday 4 August, Wednesday 17 August and Thursday 18 August.
Registrations for the Sydney courses or expressions of interest for locations outside of the Sydney area should be directed to Ian Walz on (02) 8789 7362 E-mail: ian@printnet.com.au
