Product Overview

Summary: This Energy Efficiency Standards Standard Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for planning, implementing, and monitoring energy efficiency across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations systematically reduce energy use, cut operating costs, and align with Australian standards and climate commitments without disrupting day-to-day operations.

The Energy Efficiency Standards Standard Operating Procedure is designed for Australian organisations that want to bring structure and accountability to how they manage energy across buildings, plant, and equipment. Rather than relying on ad‑hoc projects or one‑off audits, this SOP sets out a repeatable, auditable process for identifying where energy is used, setting practical performance targets, and embedding efficiency requirements into everyday operations and purchasing decisions.

The procedure walks users through establishing an energy baseline, applying relevant Australian Standards and government programs, and implementing controls such as equipment scheduling, set‑point optimisation, and efficient replacement of plant and lighting. It also covers how to integrate energy efficiency into maintenance routines, staff training, and contractor management, so improvements are sustained over time rather than fading after initial enthusiasm. By following this SOP, organisations can reduce their power bills, support corporate sustainability objectives, and demonstrate due diligence to customers, investors, and regulators in a way that is fit‑for‑purpose for the Australian context.

Key Benefits

• Reduce electricity and gas consumption through structured, repeatable energy management practices.
• Ensure alignment with relevant Australian Standards and government energy efficiency programs.
• Streamline decision‑making for equipment upgrades, refurbishments, and capital works based on lifecycle energy performance.
• Improve transparency and accountability with clear roles, documentation, and reporting of energy performance.
• Support organisational sustainability, emissions reduction, and ESG reporting with reliable energy data and processes.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Operations Managers
• Sustainability Managers
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leads
• Energy and Utilities Coordinators
• Business Owners and Directors
• Procurement Managers
• Asset and Property Managers
• Engineering Managers
• WHS and Compliance Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Regulatory and Standards Framework
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities
• 5.0 Energy Baseline and Data Collection Methodology
• 6.0 Identification of Significant Energy Uses (SEUs)
• 7.0 Energy Efficiency Objectives, Targets and Performance Indicators
• 8.0 Planning and Implementing Energy Efficiency Initiatives
• 9.0 Procurement and Design Requirements for Energy‑Efficient Equipment
• 10.0 Integration with Maintenance and Asset Management
• 11.0 Operational Controls (Scheduling, Set‑points and System Optimisation)
• 12.0 Staff, Contractor and Tenant Awareness and Training
• 13.0 Monitoring, Measurement and Verification of Savings
• 14.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Version Control
• 15.0 Reporting, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Non‑Conformance, Corrective and Preventive Actions
• 17.0 Appendices – Sample Checklists, Audit Templates and Energy Log Sheets

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS ISO 50001: Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 3598.1: Energy audits – Commercial buildings
• AS 3598.2: Energy audits – Industrial and related activities
• AS 3598.3: Energy audits – Transport
• National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth)
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Energy efficiency provisions
• Clean Energy Regulator guidance on energy and emissions reporting
• State and Territory energy efficiency schemes and regulations (e.g. NSW Energy Security Safeguard, Victorian Energy Upgrades)