Introduction

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today. All countries and all communities are vulnerable to climate change and its social, environmental and economic impacts.

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency will deliver environmental benefits. Such efforts also enhance business competitiveness by reducing costs, improving risk management, increasing the confidence of investors, insurers and financial institutions, and improve relationships with local communities.

For all industries, the pursuit of eco efficiency and triple bottom line outcomes (economic, environmental and social) is an increasingly important management strategy. Eco efficiency objectives include:

• reducing the material and energy intensity of goods and services
• enhancing the recyclability of materials and
• maximising the use of renewable resources.

Achieving these objectives ensures business sustainability and provides business opportunities, as well as benefits to the environment.

The adoption of greenhouse best practices will be an important factor in maintaining the future competitiveness of Australian enterprises and securing the long term sustainability of Australia’s economy and environment.

Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially those promoting the development and use of energy efficient technologies, practices and processes will assist commerce and industry to compete in the national and international marketplace.

Unit outcomes

This section of the course will cover the following key areas:

1. Determine electrical energy management issues.
2. Determine electrical energy management options