Department of Education EPC
$454,775 Annual Savings and 2,000 Tonnes CO₂ Reduction Across NSW Education Network
people provide 24/7 engineering support
saving pa by upskilling employees to self-deliver specific tasks
anticipated saving to client by increasing self-delivery of reactive work
m² covered in terminals 1-5 and the train station
Cost Savings per year
Electricity Savings MWh
GHG Savings tonnes per year
Water Savings kL/year
// case study
In this case study
// Challenge
Overview
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible infrastructure investment, the NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) engaged Conservia to deliver a comprehensive Energy Performance Contract (EPC) across 15 schools. The objective was to reduce energy and water consumption, improve operational efficiency, and modernise infrastructure in a cost-effective manner. The schools included in this initiative were diverse in geography and functio — from primary and high schools to special-purpose facilities — and included Botany Public School, Daceyville Public School, Forest Lodge Public School, Holroyd School, Katoomba High School, Leichhardt Public School, Northern Beaches Secondary College (Freshwater Campus), Noumea Public School, Orange Grove Public School, Rockdale Public School, Sarah Redfern Schools, Tempe High School, Tempe Public School, Terry Hills Public School, and Whalan Public School.
// Solutions
The solution
The EPC was implemented over a 24 month period and included the installation of energy and water conservation measures throughout all the schools. The energy and water saving measures implemented were the installation of solar Photovoltaics (PV), LED light fittings,solar window film, installation of Building Management Systems (BMS), installation of Variable Speed Drives (VSD’s), power factor correction, installation flow restrictors and installation of efficient cisterns.
- Chiller plant optimisation
- AHU optimisation (air-side and water-side)
- Implementation of demand control ventilation
- Design and implementation of HVAC strategies
Unique among the two facilities, Club Central Hurstville requires a NABERS energy rating due to a tenanted area. Current estimates indicate a 5-star+ rating, with a metering project underway for confirmation.
// Challenge
Key Energy & Water Conservation Measures
Electrical Upgrades:405 kW solar PV installed across schools
~10,000 fittings upgraded to LED HVAC & BMS:
- VSDs on pumps and fans
- Demand ventilation (CO₂-based)
- New BMS in 7 schools; fine-tuned for optimal operation
// Services
Water Efficiency
- Flow restrictors and dual flush cisterns in all schools
- DHW Heat pumps in selective schools
- Facility Improvements:Solar window film
- Power factor correction in 5 schools
// Challenge
Results
Conservia delivered verified annual cost savings of $416,278, while exceeding guaranteed performance benchmarks in both electricity and water consumption.Electricity savings exceeded the guaranteed target by more than 0.5%Water savings surpassed expectations by over 17%
// Services
Partnering for Proven Impact
Partnering for Proven Impact
The NSW Department of Education and Communities’ experience demonstrates that capital investment in energy efficiency when backed by guaranteed outcomes can deliver meaningful environmental and financial returns. With deep expertise in government and education-sector projects, Conservia helps organisations turn sustainability goals into real, measurable results. Explore how we can support your next infrastructure or energy upgrade project with confidence and accountability.
