Waste not, want not - Government action must lead.

Following a report by the Australian National Audit Office, it is clear Federal Government operations are failing to take up sustainable energy and to reduce emissions, according to the peak body for WA's sustainable energy industries.

Following a report by the Australian National Audit Office, it is clear Federal Government operations are failing to take up sustainable energy and to reduce emissions, according to the peak body for WA's sustainable energy industries.


"Many agencies are doing little to address the need for energy efficiency and only a few are making use of emissions free energy through renewable energy power purchase - and this is likely to be exacerbated with new budget constraints," says Dr Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

WA SEA calls on State and Federal Governments to ensure government operations, including community service provision, leads the market by working in the most efficient buildings, transitioning government vehicle and transport fleets to higher efficiency, and then use renewable energy - in both electricity and fuels - across all operations.

"For Government to facilitate greater sustainability in our energy use and our economy, clear commitments need to come from Prime Minister Rudd - and Premier Barnett - and of course their Ministers - to enable their portfolio government agencies and instrumentalities to adopt energy efficient practices and to make use of renewable energy to power their operations," says Dr Wills.

Governments can provide additional stimulus to actively support market growth through sourcing and procurement policy.

For example, the WA Government is the State's largest user of electricity and is providing leadership through the commitment to purchase 20% renewable energy by 2010, creating demand that will stimulate the market and yield new renewable energy projects. This market power can be extended if all WA Government operations sourced 100% renewable energy by 2015. Action can include biofuels and electric vehicle targets for its vehicle fleet, and initiatives such as using renewable energy to power the electric train routes.

"All levels of government should establish energy use targets within their own control and outline targets and measure performance annually impacting on sourcing and procurement policy, integrated approach to incorporate green purchasing, safe purchasing, local purchasing - and clearly demonstrate that the unsustainable option is not acceptable for government nor for government agencies."



WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 12 March 2009

Media Contact:
Dr Ray Wills 0430 365 607

Editors notes:
1. Federal Government Audit Office Report - http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2008-09_Audit_Report_25.pdf
2. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of businesses variously promoting, developing and/or adopting sustainable energy technologies and services that minimise the use of energy through sustainable energy practices and maximise the use of energy from sustainable sources. WA SEA is supported by a growing membership of 220 industry members from a diversity of businesses. www.wasea.com.au.

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