Product Overview

Summary: This Energy Efficiency Standard Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for reducing energy consumption across your workplace while maintaining operational performance. Designed for Australian businesses, it helps you cut costs, support ESG commitments, and demonstrate responsible resource management without compromising productivity.

The Energy Efficiency Standard Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable approach to managing energy use in Australian workplaces, from offices and warehouses through to light industrial sites. It translates high-level sustainability goals into day‑to‑day actions for staff, supervisors and contractors, covering how equipment is selected, operated, maintained and shut down to minimise unnecessary energy consumption. The SOP also embeds simple monitoring and reporting practices so you can track improvements over time and demonstrate tangible results to management, boards and external stakeholders.

In a climate of rising energy prices, tightening emissions expectations and growing ESG scrutiny, businesses can no longer rely on ad‑hoc initiatives or one‑off projects. This SOP solves the common problems of inconsistent practices between shifts and sites, lack of accountability for energy performance, and missed savings due to equipment being run inefficiently or outside of operating hours. By standardising how your people manage lighting, HVAC, compressed air, machinery, IT equipment and other major loads, the procedure helps you reduce operating costs, support compliance with environmental obligations, and align with recognised Australian standards and government programs.

Key Benefits

• Reduce electricity and gas costs through consistent, site-wide energy-efficient operating practices.
• Standardise how staff start up, run and shut down equipment to avoid unnecessary energy use and idle time.
• Support organisational ESG and emissions reduction targets with documented, auditable procedures.
• Improve asset performance and lifespan by integrating energy-efficient maintenance and optimisation steps.
• Engage workers in practical energy-saving behaviours, reinforcing a culture of resource efficiency and responsibility.

Who is this for?

• Operations Managers
• Facilities Managers
• WHS and Sustainability Managers
• Environmental Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Energy and Utilities Coordinators
• Business Owners and Directors
• Office and Site Managers
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountability
• 4.0 Energy Use Overview and Significant Energy Users
• 5.0 General Energy-Efficient Work Practices
• 6.0 Equipment Start-Up, Operation and Shutdown Requirements
• 7.0 Lighting, HVAC and Building Services Controls
• 8.0 Machinery, Compressed Air and Process Equipment Efficiency Measures
• 9.0 Office, IT and Standby Power Management
• 10.0 Preventive Maintenance and Optimisation for Energy Performance
• 11.0 Monitoring, Metering and Energy Performance Indicators
• 12.0 Documentation, Records and Reporting Requirements
• 13.0 Training, Communication and Worker Engagement
• 14.0 Continuous Improvement and Review of Energy Performance
• 15.0 References, Related Documents and Legislative Context

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 3598.1:2014 Energy audits – Commercial buildings
• AS/NZS 3598.2:2014 Energy audits – Industrial and related activities
• National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) – where applicable
• State and territory energy efficiency and environmental regulations (e.g. NSW Energy Savings Scheme, Victorian Energy Upgrades Program)