CASE STUDIES

Shining the light on electricity use

One particular focus area for our environmental performance has been electricity use. In the 2004 financial year, we identified electricity use as the single greatest contributor to our CO₂ emissions.

To address this impact, we have begun a comprehensive review of our electricity consumption and are developing an energy management plan that will be piloted at our head office and rolled out across our main sites.

We have also been looking into ways to improve the energy use in existing premises, while incorporating energy star ratings into our decision making when looking to move into new properties.

One example of this is our new property in Adelaide. Due for completion in April 2006, this new site will accommodate more than 550 employees who were previously located at various sites across Adelaide.

The property will be 5 star energy-rated and will include features such as lighting linked to movement and daylight sensors, sub-metering to allow for close monitoring of energy use, water efficient dishwashers and tapware and during the temperate months, introduction of high levels of outside air to reduce the need for heating and cooling using air conditioning units.

We estimate that through these various measures and more, we will reduce the operating costs compared to a 4 star energy-rated building by $3.00 per square metre or about $30,000 per annum.

The property is well served by public transport and will also offer parking for 40 bicycles, and showers and lockers on every floor. We hope these features will encourage our people to minimise their use of private vehicles for commuting to work.

Currently, 8.61% of square metres in IAG's freehold and leasehold property portfolio is 4 star energy rated or above.