Australian Foundry Institute National Energy Efficiency Road Show – A success!!!
The Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program Funding administered by AusIndustry, (a division of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education) and is available to all Australian foundries. This Program is a central element of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future plan announced in July in 2011.
The Clean Technology Food and Foundries investment Program (the Program) is a $200 million competitive, merit based grants program. It will support Australian food and foundry manufacturers to maintain competitiveness in a carbon-constrained economy, through investments in energy-efficient capital equipment and low-pollution technologies, processes and products. This program will provide grant funding over a six-year period from 2011-12 to 2016-17.
The majority of Australian foundries fall into the small to medium business category and do not have the staffing structure to resource an environmental officer on site dedicated specifically to energy efficiency activities and improvements.
The Australian Foundry Institute (AFI) identified an opportunity that could assist and support foundries in the area of gaining practical and effective information on immediate improvement activities and what assistance and funding is available that lends positive support in exploring opportunities with the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program funding.
In partnership with 2XE, CAST CRC and Materials Australia a program was developed with a clear objective – to bridge this information gap.
The AFI National Energy Efficiency Road Show was made possible by securing a Workshop, Industry, Intelligence and Networking (WIIN) grant. The WIIN grant program is a small grants element of the broader Enterprise Connect initiative. WIIN grants help businesses improve their performance by providing them with better access to innovations, technologies, expertise and best practice. These services are delivered in a range of ways including seminars, workshops, case studies, networking sessions….to name a few.
Energy Efficiency forums were delivered in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The program included presentations with practical content related to:
- Conducting various types of plant efficiency assessments including energy audits, site visits and energy mapping;
- Identifying opportunities for plant and machinery upgrades, including the adoption of “clean technologies”;
- Process improvements to existing plants;
- Engaging staff to adopt energy efficiency practices and disciplines; and
- An industry discussion panels with presentations from CAST CRC and Low Carbon Australia.
- Other presenters included Enterprise Connect; AusIndustry; Office of Environment and Heritage; Sustainability Victoria; Zero Waste SA; and Schneider Electric.
The feedback from the forum attendees was very positive with participants advising that they found the program content practical, informative, refreshing and were keen to apply process improvements to benefit their businesses.
Following each forum a social networking session was hosted by each State branch of the AFI giving participants the opportunity to catch up with the presenters, peers and other business representatives.
Part of the primary objectives of the AFI is:
- To disseminate technical information to and promote education to AFI members.
- To support and where necessary, co-ordinate the activities of all State Divisions; and
- To provide an avenue for the expression of national opinion on any matters affecting the foundry industry and/or the interests of members.
This project is a reflection of these objectives and the program’s success was made possible because of the support shown by members and partners.
The AFI will continue to develop national projects that support the industry. By registering your interest in future programs you will give the AFI the support from members needed to successfully seek funding and assistance to benefit the industry.
Copies of the forum presentations are available for viewing and downloading from this website.
