Knox Business Life - November 2011 (Issue 48)

Knox Economic DevelopmentSAVINGENERGYSAVES$40,000PER YEARKnox City Council hascut energy use by upto 35 per cent acrosstwo key facilities —Knox Leisureworks andKnox Civic Centre andin the process put aconsiderable dent in itsannual electricity bill.Annual Electricity Use (kWh)1,400,0001,350,0001,300,0001,250,0001,200,0001,150,0001,100,0001,050,0001,000,000Annual Electricity Use (kWh)Knox Civic Centre2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010It’s all part of the Council’s GreenhouseAction Plan, which has seen innovativesolutions to the energy challenge byimplementing many industry firsts.The initiatives include:• A grid-interactive photovoltaicsystem with battery back-up at KnoxLeisureworks. This locally designedand built inverter forms part of astandalone solar photovoltaic (PV)system that allows for 3-phase powerto all administration areas.• A roof-mounted solar pre-heatingsystem over almost 1,400 squaremetres to supplement heating tothe warm water, 50 metre pools andother uses, which is estimated to savearound 30 per cent of natural gas.• Passive cooling measures such as heatreflective paints (from Astec Paints,Bayswater), managed lighting controls,tinting of north and west facingwindows and removing heat from theCivic Centre’s central Atrium usingsolar powered heat extraction fans.• Double glazed windows and extraroof insulation and installation ofenergy efficient T8 to T5 lights.• Installation of voltage optimisingunits called The Ark, an advancedtransformer that balances the voltageacross the three phases and filtersharmonics.The savings in energy correspond to afinancial saving of around $40,000 perannum, resulting in an average paybackof around five years.The roof of KnoxLeisureworks has beentreated with heatreflective paint andboasts solar panels andsolar water heaters.THANK YOUThanks to all those Knox organisations whoparticipated in the online survey and personalinterviews. We have been delighted with theresponse rate, and are grateful for the feedbackyou’ve given.We are now going through what you have toldus and putting together a strategy to improvethe communication and delivery of the serviceswe provide to the Knox business community.This information can be viewed at www.knoxbusinessdirect.com.auIf you do have questions about the processor would like to contribute in any way pleasecontact Kate Harris on 9298 8000.DID YOUKNOW?Rowville was named after the Rowfamily, who built and occupied thehistoric Stamford House. The 19thcentury Stamford House adjoinsStamford Business Estate and isconsidered an integral part ofRowville and its history.SMES WANTEDFOR ATO PILOTIn September 2011, the Australian Tax Officelaunched a three month trial of the SmallBusiness Tax Forum, creating a uniqueopportunity for small businesses to interactdirectly with senior ATO staff, share experiencesand views, and also hear from other smallbusinesses facing similar tax challenges.Businesses interested in participating inthis pilot community, should first contactTony Watkins on (08) 7422 2518 ortony.watkins@ato.gov.au[10]Knox Business Life | Issue 48 NOVEMBER 2011