Aged care told to save ‘energy’
‘Energy hungry’ aged care facilities across NSW are being urged to be more efficient. At a sustainability forum in Sydney last Wednesday, Environment Minister, Robyn Parker, said individual facilities could save $25,000 a year. A state audit found the aged care sector could save up to 15% of its electricity costs and 18% of its gas use.
‘Energy hungry’ aged care facilities across NSW are being urged to be more efficient.
At a sustainability forum in Sydney last Wednesday, Environment Minister, Robyn Parker, said individual facilities could save $25,000 a year.
A state audit found the aged care sector could save up to 15% of its electricity costs and 18% of its gas use, Ms Parker said.
“It makes common sense for households and businesses to make sure they’re as energy efficient as they can be,” she told the forum last week, where she also launched an aged care facility energy saver toolkit.
“It means less demand for the grid, with environmental outcomes that are good for the bottom line and good for the environment.”
AAP reports the toolkit includes tips on saving on lighting, heating, hot water and in the kitchen, as well as on equipment maintenance.
In May, unions warned consumers would pay more for electricity because of NSW government plans to privatise the state’s power generators.
But Ms Parker said energy saving measures would help the aged care sector reinvest in its services rather than high overheads.
“What we’re doing is making sure our households, our businesses and the aged care sector are as engaged as possible in ways they can reduce demand on the grid,” she said.
