Renewable energy for business: Simple ways to take action today

At Synergy, we’re working towards a net zero carbon future by 2050. In November 2021, the three Government owned electricity businesses; Synergy, Horizon Power and Western Power, released a joint commitment to address climate change in support of the Western Australian State Government’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

As Synergy works towards its own net zero target, we are helping climate-conscious customers explore innovative new ways to reduce their carbon emissions. We’re continuing to explore renewable energy generation such as wind farms, and finding ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by displacing the use of fossil fuels from our electricity generation. 

We’re also helping our customers to address their own net zero goals. One example is through our NaturalPower product, which a number of customers have already adopted to meet their energy and sustainability goal.

Moving your business towards a more sustainable future might seem overwhelming at times, but by taking just one step at a time progress can be made. The good news is that reducing your business emissions could have benefits for the environment - and it could also lead to other benefits for your business. One simple but effective first step to boost sustainability could be to support renewable energy through your business.

Energy fact:

Wind energy is the most widely-used renewable energy source in WA.

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Support Australia’s renewable energy sector

Australia's appetite for renewable energy options is growing rapidly.

Renewable electricity generation is an important step, both environmentally and socially, in finding ways to shift away from fossil fuels and traditional power stations.

By embracing renewable energy, your business could achieve its renewable energy and emissions goals or improve your building’s Green Star Performance or NABERS rating, and support Australia’s renewable energy sector.

Local councils commitment

WALGA, the Western Australia Local Government Association, is the peak local government industry body in Western Australia.

Forty-eight WALGA members, including almost all of the Local Government Authorities across the Perth metropolitan area, have signed up to a three-year supply contract that offsets a percentage of their electricity supply with electricity produced from renewable sources.

Based on the 2020-2021 National Greenhouse Account Factors* (NGAF), WALGA estimates the total carbon abatement of the 48 Local Governments to be approximately 150,000 tonnes of CO2 over the three year life of the contract. This is equivalent carbon sequestration of 35 million blue mallee eucalyptus trees.*

How to choose renewable energy options for your business

We offer NaturalPower, which is accredited under Australia’s GreenPower program. 

Here’s how it works:

  • When you choose NaturalPower through your Synergy business account, NaturalPower requires businesses to pay slightly more than their usual tariff to offset a percentage of your consumption (up to 100%).
  • Synergy purchases large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) for the offset consumption.  LGCs are from nationally-accredited GreenPower renewable energy sources which are required to meet strict environmental criteria. The electricity generated by these accredited renewable sources is made available in the grid.
  • The business' contribution helps to increase the amount of electricity from renewable sources in the energy system.

If your business chooses to offset an amount of your electricity use with NaturalPower, this is considered be to zero emissions electricity, which can help to reduce your business’ overall sustainability.

Choosing renewable energy options such as NaturalPower helps to increase the demand for renewable energy in the energy syste,, supporting future investment in renewable sources.

Inspire your customers and business networks

It’s no secret that growing numbers of consumers are choosing sustainable products and businesses. By supporting renewable energy, you can show that your business is environmentally-conscious and support Australia’s renewable energy sector.

Your business choices could inspire others to take action too. For example, if you choose NaturalPower, you could promote your choice through your website, social media channels or other marketing materials.

If you’re looking for new ways to make your business operations more sustainable, get in touch with your account manager to discuss your electricity supply options. 

 

*The NGAF are published by the Department of Industry, more information can be found at www.industry. gov.au/data-and-publications/national-greenhouse-accounts-factors-2021

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Synergy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, water and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.