Energy prices and lowering lower carbon emissions would have to be amongst the most talked about topics for 2018. In Australia, a lot of this conversation has revolved around where and how energy is generated.

A really important but less talked about part of this conversation, revolves around energy efficiency.

Simply put, energy efficiency is about achieving more while using less energy. The appeal of this is understandable, particularly from a commercial perspective.

For business and industry, energy efficiency can mean increased productivity, lower energy and maintenance costs, increased competitiveness, improved amenity for staff and reduced exposure to fluctuating energy prices.

Many businesses are already taking up this opportunity with switches to energy efficient lighting having a significant and beneficial impact.

But where can businesses get more information about how to benefit from energy efficiency in the current environment?

We spoke to Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, for his views below.

A new guide for Aussie businesses getting on with the energy transformation

When I talk to business leaders it’s clear they are moving to take control of their own energy position.

They understand that thriving in the midst of a transforming energy system will require them to be more proactive than was necessary in the past.

However, when senior executives and directors without a background in energy try and get across the detail of these strategic issues, they find a big gap in the information that’s available. At one end of the spectrum is the hot take from Ben Potter in the Financial Review they read each morning with their coffee. At the other, the hundreds of pages of analysis generated by bodies like Australia’s energy market institutions.

Which brings me to the briefing the Energy Efficiency Council released recently. Navigating a dynamic energy landscape: A briefing for Australian businesses aims to cuts through the noise and provide business leaders with an up-to-date, accessible discussion of these topics. It steps through the reasons behind increases in business energy bills, and the drivers of energy market transformation. But at its heart, it makes two crucial points:

• The trends and technology driving the transformation – the move to low carbon, distributed, responsive energy system – are the same ones businesses can leverage to take control of their energy position.
• There are businesses that are on the front foot, leading on energy strategy and demonstrating the big benefits of a proactive approach to energy management, investment and procurement.

In the wake of yet another unsuccessful attempt put in place a national energy policy, my sense is businesses are done waiting for a political fix. They are getting on with securing their own energy position. With this briefing, we hope to arm them with the information they need to navigate this more dynamic energy landscape and thrive.

Luke Menzel is CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, Australia’s peak body for energy efficiency, energy management and demand response.