Confidential report warns our green targets in doubt

Adelaide Advertiser
Thursday 19/6/2008 Page: 3

THE RANN Government's green credentials have been called into question over doubts it will meet energy efficiency targets it has set for its own buildings. An unreleased report shows the Government will fall short of its goal of reducing energy use among its assets by 2014 if current progress is maintained. The SA Government Energy Use Annual Report 2006-07, which documents the Government's progress against energy efficiency targets for its buildings, has not yet been signed off by State Cabinet.

However, part of the report, sighted by The Advertiser, shows if the rate of reduction in energy use in Government buildings is maintained, a reduction of just more than 20 per cent was expected by 2014 - about 5 percentage points shy of the 25 per cent target. The graph sighted is based on an 8.78 per cent reduction in energy use to the end of 2006-07, compared with 2000-01.

This figure is a large increase from the 1.93 per cent improvement cited in the previous year's annual report, however, it is understood accounting changes could have impacted the latest results. Members of the energy efficiency industry are understood to be concerned about the Government prioritising form over function when it comes to being clean and green.

While high-profile projects such as the Adelaide airport solar project and the recently announced $8 million State Government injection into a solar power project at the Wayville Showground are deemed useful, experts are concerned energy conservation measures such as energy efficiency and co-generation projects are being overlooked.

A spokesman for Energy Minister Patrick Conlon said the Government had seen the energy use report, but could not release it until it had passed through Cabinet. "We have set ambitious targets and we are making very good progress," he said. "There is a great deal of construction announced or under way which will take big steps towards the 25 per cent target. "I am always happy to compare our green record with that of any Government." Mr Conlon's spokesman said the report should pass through Cabinet in the next few weeks, at which time it would be released.