Georges River Council – NSW, Australia
kWh/year - Electricity
GJ/year - Natural Gas
/year Operating Costs
years - Simple Payback
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In this case study
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Overview
Georges River Council, located in Sydney’s St George region, is committed to environmental leadership, responsible asset management, and long-term sustainability. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, the Council engaged Conservia to undertake a comprehensive Level 2 Energy Audit and Energy Management Plan across 15 of its highest energy-consuming facilities. The goal was to gain a clear understanding of how these buildings use electricity and gas, and to identify practical, costm effective opportunities to improve performance, reduce running costs, and support future planning.
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What is a Level 2 Energy Audit?
Turning energy data into clear, practical action
A Level 2 Energy Audit is a detailed review of how a building or group of buildings uses energy. It follows the AS/NZS 3598.1:2014 standard and is designed to help organisations find ways to use energy more efficiently — and save money in the process.
At Conservia, we use these audits to give building owners and managers clear insights and a plan they can trust. We don’t just suggest ideas — we provide solutions that are ready to be acted on.
Our energy audits include:
- Site visits to understand how equipment is running and how the building is used
- Analysis of 12 months of utility bills to see where energy is going and establish a baseline
- Custom energy-saving ideas (ECMs) tailored to each building’s setup and needs
- Estimates of cost savings and payback time, based on real-world experience
- Clear costings — because we also deliver these solutions, our numbers are practical and realistic
- Ready-to-go recommendations, with the technical and financial details needed for decision-making
Because Conservia can also deliver the upgrades we identify, our clients can move forward with confidence. They know that the savings and costs we show are grounded in delivery experience not just theoretical estimates.
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Scope & Approach
The audit covered 15 sites across the Council’s portfolio — including 10 with high electricity usage and 5 with high natural gas consumption. Conservia’s approach followed the standard two-phase structure of a Level 2 Audit:
Phase 1 – Site Review & Data Collection
- Reviewed 12 months of energy and gas consumption
- Conducted on-site inspections to observe equipment operation and control settings
- Interviewed staff to understand operating schedules and maintenance practices
- Identified preliminary inefficiencies and baseline conditions for each site
Phase 2 – Opportunity Identification & Analysis
- Developed tailored Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for each site
- Modelled estimated savings, capital costs, and payback periods
- Provided NABERS performance estimates, and projections assuming implementation of ECMs
- Categorised actions into immediate, short-term, and long-term opportunities
- Assessed the feasibility of solar PV, cogeneration, and control upgrades
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Key Opportunities Identified
The audit identified a range of practical, cost-effective energy-saving measures across Georges River Council’s facilities, including:
- Decommissioning the central steam plant and installing efficient localised boilers
- Replacing aging chillers and boilers with high-efficiency modular units
- Expanding on-site solar PV to reduce grid electricity use
- Implementing chilled water and supply air reset strategies to optimise HVAC performance
- Installing variable speed drives (VSDs) on pool filtration pumps and HVAC systems
- Introducing unoccupied set points and improved after-hours control
- Upgrading lighting with high-efficiency LEDs in interior and car park areas
- Applying solar window film to reduce heat gain and cooling load
- Enhancing metering and sub-metering for better energy tracking and accountability
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Estimated Results
All estimates were based on proven modelling methods and Conservia’s delivery experience, providing Council with realistic, investment-ready projections.
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Strategic Benefits
Through this audit, Georges River Council received:
- A clear view of where and how energy is being used
- Realistic recommendations with verified savings estimates
- A prioritised action plan tailored to the specific needs of each building
- Support for capital planning, grant applications, and sustainability targets
- A data-driven pathway to reduce costs, emissions, and operational risk
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From Insight to Action
A well-executed energy audit provides more than just information — it provides direction. By combining technical expertise with hands-on delivery experience, Conservia helps organisations turn audit findings into real outcomes. Our audits are designed to be implemented, not shelved.
Whether you’re managing a portfolio of council buildings, planning upgrades, or seeking to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions — a Level 2 Energy Audit is the right starting point. Talk to Conservia about how we can help you uncover energy savings, plan with confidence, and build long-term value into your assets.
