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From concept to completion: achieving industrial projects with sustainable agendas

In today’s world, the intersection of industrial progress and sustainability has become a critical focus. As businesses and industries expand their reach, the importance of embedding sustainable practices into project management is no longer optional - it’s essential. By integrating sustainability principles from the early stages of a project through to completion, organisations can achieve not only economic gains but also valuable long-term environmental and societal benefits.


The role of sustainability in industrial project management

Sustainability in project management involves adopting practices that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations throughout the project lifecycle. This shift reflects a growing recognition that industrial success isn’t just about profitability; it’s about creating enduring value for communities and the ecosystems on which we rely.


Industries across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly collaborating with sustainability consultants and ESG consultants to align their projects with global sustainability standards. These professionals guide organisations in setting and achieving ambitious goals, whether it’s reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, or enhancing social responsibility. For instance, energy consultants in NZ play a pivotal role in industrial projects by conducting energy audits and offering insights into energy-efficient designs, ultimately lowering operational costs and environmental impact.


Key strategies for embedding sustainability in industrial projects

Implementing sustainability isn’t just about compliance - it’s about innovation. Here’s how industrial project teams incorporate sustainability into their processes:


1. Defining clear sustainability goals

Every successful project begins with a clear roadmap. Sustainability goals should align with both organisational values and broader environmental targets, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with energy efficiency consultants and process engineering consultants helps businesses define measurable objectives, such as achieving specific reductions in energy consumption or waste.


For example, organisations in the manufacturing sector can work with energy management services in NZ or Australia to develop energy audit services to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify greener alternatives.



A double exposure of a person 's head and a forest.

2. Leveraging expert guidance

Engaging specialists like DETA’s carbon management consultants or wastewater consultants ensures environmental considerations are addressed comprehensively. Our experts help industries tackle challenges like:

 

  • Designing effective carbon management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Developing wastewater management services to minimise water pollution and conserve resources.
  • Implementing decarbonisation services to align with local regulations and global climate goals.


With the right guidance, industries are able to confidently navigate complex sustainability challenges while enhancing their operational efficiency without the risk of taking costly yet ineffective actions.


3. Prioritising carbon management and energy efficiency

Industrial projects are significant contributors to carbon emissions. By implementing robust carbon management services, organisations identify areas for improvement, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources or optimising energy use. In New Zealand and Australia, decarbonisation services are instrumental in helping industries reduce their carbon footprints and comply with stringent environmental regulations.


Energy efficiency is another critical area. With the support of energy efficiency services, businesses adopt smart technologies like energy-efficient processes, machinery and systems, reducing both costs and environmental impacts.


4. Expanding stakeholder engagement

Modern industrial projects require collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. Engaging employees, local communities, regulators, and industry partners ensures projects are executed holistically. DETA sustainability consultants in NZ and Australia facilitate meaningful discussions with stakeholders to align project outcomes with financial, environmental and social expectations. This proactive approach not only builds trust but also helps mitigate risks, such as community opposition or regulatory non-compliance.


A man in a yellow vest is standing in front of a field of solar panels.

5. Emphasising process engineering and innovation

Process engineering is at the heart of many industrial projects. By collaborating with process engineering consultants, businesses design systems to optimise resource use and minimise waste. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge in areas like energy optimisation, material efficiency, and waste reduction so sustainability goals are embedded into every stage of the project.


Real-world applications of sustainable agendas in industrial projects

Across industries, businesses are achieving remarkable results by integrating sustainability into their projects. Here are some DETA case studies:


Energy audits and management:

Capral Aluminium in Brisbane, an energy-intensive aluminium extruder, faced high energy usage. DETA conducted an energy audit, uncovering invoicing anomalies and providing an actionable plan. The solution identified quick, effective measures, achieving over 5% energy savings, demonstrating a successful approach to optimising energy efficiency in complex industrial operations.


Carbon reduction management:

The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) engaged DETA to conduct Type 2 Energy Audits across 84 healthcare sites in the Grampians region, identifying energy management opportunities (EMOs) to support Victoria’s carbon reduction goals. The audits revealed potential savings of 4,844 tCO2e, aligning with the government’s pledge to cut emissions by 2025.


Wastewater management:

Fonterra Brands' Takanini site underwent a comprehensive water audit as part of a nationwide strategy to reduce water usage. DETA identified 12 projects delivering over $300,000 in water savings with a payback period under 2.5 years, reducing annual water consumption by 16.5% across site factories.


A green building with pipes going through it and a blue sky in the background.

The long-term benefits of sustainable project management

Embedding sustainability into industrial projects isn’t just about meeting today’s requirements - it’s about future-proofing businesses. Adopting sustainable practices, enables organisations to:


Enhance brand reputation: demonstrating a commitment to sustainability resonates with customers, investors, and partners.


Achieve cost savings: energy-efficient designs and waste reduction strategies deliver significant long-term financial benefits.


Achieve regulatory compliance: staying ahead of environmental regulations mitigates risks and avoids the potential for costly penalties.


Drive innovation: Sustainability challenges encourage creative problem-solving, leading to breakthroughs that benefit both businesses and the planet.


Industrial projects have the potential to drive significant positive change when sustainability is placed at the core of their agendas. By working with experts like sustainability consultants, energy efficiency consultants, and process engineering consultants, businesses achieve their goals while contributing to a greener, more equitable future.


DETA, helping you navigate a sustainable path forward

From concept to completion, the journey to sustainable industrial projects requires vision, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation. With the right strategies and partnerships in place, industries have an opportunity to lead the way in shaping a sustainable tomorrow.


There is no single off-the-shelf solution. Each organisation is unique, and as such DETA offers comprehensive project delivery services. DETA is committed to delivering results by providing expertise throughout your project. From planning and exploring the more creative solutions to contractor management and overseeing installation, DETA supports businesses to the level they need to achieve their project goals successfully.


If you would like to discuss your project or require further information, we have teams currently delivering projects across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. Contact your local DETA office – we’re always happy to talk sustainability.

 

Proactive Solutions for New Zealand’s Gas Challenges

by Anne-Maree Ward • 13 December 2024
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Navigating New Zealand's Gas Challenges New Zealand’s energy market is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Rising gas prices, a steady decline in local gas production, and the country’s ambitious decarbonisation targets are creating significant pressure for businesses to adapt. The era of cheap, reliable gas is fading, and for industries that rely on it, the time to act is now. Businesses need to move beyond merely coping with the changes and start embracing practical, forward-thinking solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and align with New Zealand’s sustainability objectives. While the pressure to reduce fossil fuel dependency grows, there’s an opportunity for businesses to innovate. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and lower carbon alternatives, companies can gain a competitive edge while managing the immediate impacts of the gas crisis and preparing for a future with more sustainable energy sources. The evolving gas landscape: what’s driving the change? New Zealand’s gas sector is in a state of flux, with local production dwindling and no imported natural gas available. On top of this, the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is placing additional pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. For many businesses, continuing to rely on gas is no longer a sustainable long-term strategy. Now is the time to take a step back and consider alternative energy solutions that provide greater stability and long-term value. The path forward involves shifting away from traditional fossil fuels, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and exploring lower carbon energy alternatives. Energy efficiency: the key to resilience While facing such uncertainty in the energy market, energy efficiency is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s key to building resilience. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of rising gas prices, all while contributing to New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. Achieving energy efficiency means not only cutting down on costs but it also positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, supports the uptake of a continuous improvement mindset across the business, and reduces environmental impact. But considering energy efficiency alone isn’t enough. The real challenge lies in the broader energy supply-demand balance across New Zealand. As businesses look to transition away from gas, the energy must still come from somewhere and the market has to react. This is a massive challenge for NZ Inc but many businesses are looking at ways to be innovative and creative with their energy usage and procurement utilising tools like storage, flexible operation and long term contracts to not only create maximise value for their organisations but also to support New Zealand's energy transition.

Measuring up: the importance of energy audits in business

12 December 2024
Historically, auditing has been seen as an undesirable expense with little perceived value for businesses. With organisations failing to see the benefit of examining the finer details of their operations, and with staff assigned to prepare for the audit feeling like they've drawn the short straw, audits have never been fun. Until now. This is when energy audits enter the room to great fanfare. The shift towards sustainability , driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, is reshaping how businesses approach energy consumption, waste management, and carbon footprint, and crucially, their relationship with audits. Energy audits are the one type of audit that delivers positivity; they are one of the most effective tools to help businesses reduce their environmental impact while boosting their bottom line through optimised processes and reducing costs. For organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific , understanding the significance of energy audits and how they lead to long-term cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced sustainability is fundamental to business success. Unpacking energy audits: the key to unlocking sustainability An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business's energy use and efficiency. Its primary goal is to uncover areas where energy is being wasted and identify opportunities for energy savings. This process is essential for any business aiming to improve its sustainability, reduce operating costs, and meet carbon reduction targets. Whether you are operating a small enterprise or managing a large industrial site, an energy audit provides actionable insights to reduce the environmental impact of the business and improve energy management. There are different types of energy audits, from Lite Audits offering a quick, low-risk assessment, to Detailed Energy Audits, which provide a more thorough and long-term analysis of energy use across the facilities. Both types of audits help you understand current energy consumption patterns and reveal the potential areas for energy efficiency improvements. From insight to action: why energy audits are a business game-changer Energy audits are not just about identifying problems; they are about identifying opportunities for improvement. By performing regular energy audits, businesses can benefit in the following ways: Cost savings One of the most immediate, attractive and tangible benefits of an energy audit is the potential for significant cost savings through the identification of inefficiencies that are costing the business or organisation money. For example, a company may be using outdated lighting or HVAC systems that consume excessive energy. Through equipment upgrades and optimisations , these inefficiencies can be corrected, leading to significant savings on utility bills. Energy audits are also adept at identifying unexpected bottlenecks in industrial processes and are often the first to highlight the potential for process optimisation, improving a business’s overall efficiency and profitability. 
An aerial view of a water treatment plant with a lot of tanks.

Turning waste into resource: the role of wastewater management in sustainability

31 October 2024
Discover how effective wastewater management turns waste into valuable resources, promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. Learn more!
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