National Archives of Australia - Annual reports

humidity issues surrounding a prolonged period ofwet weather in Melbourne – identified the need tore-program the building management system tocompensate for the climatic conditions.The upgrading or replacement of ageing buildingplant, such as dehumidifiers and airconditioningunits in Chester Hill (NSW) and Cannon Hill(Queensland), is also expected to deliver energyusage efficiencies.Joint energy procurementIn 2010–11, the Archives participated in thewhole-of-government electricity supply contractapproach, administered by the Department ofDefence. The new contract is expected to providesavings. Ten per cent of the Archives’ electricity usein the Canberra offices was sourced from greenenergy technologies during the reporting period.Canberra-based cultural institutions undertook ajoint procurement for the provision of gas. This newcontract will result in a discount on retail marketgas prices.Solar energyThe Archives’ solar-energy installations atits offices in Parkes (ACT) and Cannon Hill(Queensland) continued to contribute greenenergy, with a significant contribution towardsreducing CO 2emissions. These two Archivessolar-energy systems contributed to a reductionof approximately 277 tonnes in greenhouse gasesduring the reporting period.Paper useEnvironmentally friendly recycled paper is used bythe Archives. In 2010–11, the Archives continued apolicy of purchasing paper with a recycled contentof at least 50 per cent, and processes wereimplemented to record paper use in all Archivessites to improve reporting capability. The Archivesuses acid-free cardboard boxes to package andprotect records from dust, moisture and mites.Water useInstallation of water-saving devices acrossthe Archives’ sites continued to reducewater consumption.Waste disposalThroughout 2010–11, waste from the Archives’ACT sites – including paper and paper products,toner cartridges, classified waste, photocopiers,printers and mobile phones – continued to beweighed and disposed of appropriately throughrecycling arrangements.All new procurement processes for cleaningservices and/or waste removal services include therequirement for the contracted provider to measureand report on quantities and types of wasteremoved from the Archives’ sites. This includesdata on quantities recycled or sent to landfill.This data will allow the Archives to develop andimplement strategies to increase the recycling ofwaste and reduce landfill.VehiclesDuring 2010–11, the Archives’ leased vehicle fleetwas reduced by one vehicle to seven generalvehicles. Vehicle selection was consistent with theDepartment of Finance and Deregulation’s FleetMonitoring Body Policy, the Green Vehicle Guide,and providing safe and effective vehicles to meetthe Archives’ operational needs.Asset managementThe Archives manages diverse and complexassets, including:• fitout• building plant supporting critical infrastructuresuch as low-temperature film vaults• preservation equipment• high-quality digital imaging equipmentand cameras• corporate information technologyinfrastructure.Asset management policyThe Archives applies best practice assetmanagement principles to its facilities andassociated assets. During 2010–11, theArchives further refined its infrastructure, plantand equipment asset management strategy tobetter reflect whole-of-life asset management,46 Annual Reports 2010–11