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Gaining Competitive Edge With Energy Efficiency Services

For most businesses, energy accounts for a substantial portion of running costs. The average cost of electricity for businesses depends on the size of the business and how it uses the energy. Historically, the larger the business, the more energy it uses with proportional operating costs. However, with the rise of energy efficiency services, the status quo is being challenged.


Energy efficiency: a pathway to competitive excellence

The globally shared vision of sustainability is underpinned by energy efficiency, and its role cannot be overstated. It serves as a cornerstone in steering industries and businesses towards a more environmentally conscious and resilient future. Aside from the attractiveness of green kudos, businesses embracing energy efficiency initiatives gain an unparalleled competitive advantage.


  • Optimised processes: data from routinely scheduled energy audits identify process energy drains but also reveal the opportunities to make the business more energy efficient through optimised processes.
  • Reduced operating costs and energy consumption: adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices enables companies to significantly slash energy bills and mitigate the environmental footprint of operating.
  • Financial savings: decreasing energy usage and the associated costs fuel savings which typically outweigh the initial investment. (Case study: Fonterra Brands).
  • Improved productivity: with more efficiently run operations and production processes, output increases and downtime decreases.


Through streamlined energy efficient operations and lower energy bills, emerges an improved cashflow. Savings become available for reinvestment in other areas of business. From growth initiatives, advanced research and development, and improving employee benefits to attract the best of industry talent, the positive benefits of energy efficiency are profound.


Business energy costs are volatile, which means rates can vary significantly throughout the tax year making them particularly complex to forecast in budgeting terms. Integrating sustainability practices into a business, creates a resilience to energy cost changes – your business is given a level of protection against soaring energy, the value of which depends on the steps towards energy efficiency you have taken. 


A factory with a lot of pipes and a cloudy sky in the background.

How can your business become more energy efficient?

Integrating sustainability principles into business operations, is an opportunity to enhance your business’s reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and mitigate risks associated with climate change and resource depletion. Businesses across all industries have the potential to become more energy efficient with the shared aim of becoming net zero. Whereas some energy efficiency improvements are apparent, others are less obvious and are identified through deep energy audits and analysis.


Here are some examples of areas where energy savings can be made:


  • Service equipment and replace inefficient equipment with upgraded systems. (Case study: Synlait)
  • Introduce advanced control strategies.
  • Increase performance monitoring.
  • Address building inefficiencies such as upgrade lighting and HVAC systems.
  • Utilise waste heat for on-site processes.
  • Identify and repair energy leaks.
  • Improve insulation.
  • Nurture a culture of efficiency and sustainability.


The role of environmental and sustainability experts

In the active pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability, the expertise of environmental and sustainability consultants becomes indispensable. These professionals offer invaluable guidance and insights, ensuring that energy efficiency initiatives meet environmental goals, compliance and regulatory requirements, but are also achievable, affordable, and align with the business’ goals. (Case study: Westland Milk Products)



A close up of a project plan on a piece of paper.

Innovative and scalable solutions

Energy efficiency services prioritise innovation and emerging technologies to optimise energy performance for the long term. The solutions are agile and remain adaptable to changing market dynamics and the evolving needs of the business. The integration of innovative technologies such as advanced control algorithms and intelligent monitoring systems, efficiency gains are reinforced against future challenges.


Customisable energy solutions

There are no successful off-the-shelf energy efficiency solutions, businesses are not uniform, and nor are the energy solutions. Through collaboration, energy efficiency consultants tailor responses to the distinct requirements unique to the client’s business to optimise results and yield sustainable outcomes.

From conducting energy audits to developing comprehensive sustainability strategies, environmental consultants play a pivotal role in helping businesses leverage energy-efficient technologies to limit energy consumption and realise substantial sustainability advancements. Collaborating with consultants in energy efficiency services controls the trajectory towards a more sustainable future.


Energy and sustainability consultants NZ/Australia – local solution seekers

Energy consultants, particularly those specialising in New Zealand and Australia, provide tailored solutions to address the unique energy challenges faced by businesses in these regions. By leveraging their expertise in energy management, carbon reduction, and wastewater management, energy consultants identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and implement achievable sustainable practices. Whether it's conducting energy audits, designing carbon management strategies, or optimising wastewater treatment processes, energy consultants offer holistic solutions that drive tangible results.



A person is pointing at a graph on a clipboard with a pen.

Sustainability consulting services encompass a wide range of offerings, including sustainability strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting, tailored to the unique needs and priorities of each client. Sustainability consultants bring a holistic perspective to energy efficiency initiatives, considering not only the economic benefits but also the social and environmental impacts.


The path forward: collaboration and innovation

DETA are passionate about helping businesses and organisations overcome the mounting environmental challenges, and recognise collaboration and innovation are key to driving meaningful change and unlocking the full potential of energy efficiency initiatives. We take a holistic view that encompasses technology and infrastructure, but also human behaviour. We work with clients to improve the culture of their business by delivering tailored education and training which strengthens the support for the initiatives by encouraging and empowering employees to identify and adopt efficiency measures. The greatest asset any business has are their employees, and together, we can build a more sustainable future, one energy-efficient project at a time.



It can feel overwhelming to navigate the complexities of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, but you are not alone. DETA support businesses throughout the process. From developing carbon footprint strategies for the next 30 years, industry technical expertise and delivering staff training and development, our energy audit and management packages are custom to your business needs. We have teams currently delivering projects across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. If you would like to learn more about how DETA can help your business can gain the competitive advantage by becoming more energy efficient, contact us today. 

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. 
Two construction workers are looking at a blueprint on a construction site.

From concept to completion: achieving industrial projects with sustainable agendas

12 December 2024
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. 
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