Energy Audit

When the new management took over the lease on Lady Elliot Island in 2005, the resort ran three generators on 12 hour shifts - 550L per day/200 KL.

In consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), a Level 3 Energy Audit was conducted of the entire resort in 2007. The Audit recommended actions for significant savings in energy consumption and Resort Management implemented numerous low-cost, energy saving measures which resulted in a reduction of peak loads by 40%. The resort adopted energy reduction initiatives such as removing clothes dryers, replacing energy hungry appliances with energy efficient alternatives and establishing 'Energy Management Protocols'.

The audit also recommended a hybrid off-grid power station to reduce carbon emissions, noise and the reliance on fossil fuel. Lady Elliot Management contracted Mr Frank Dallmeyer from Tropical Energy Solutions to design the electrical and solar component for a Hybrid Solar Power System to meet the electricity needs of the resort operation. The Hybrid Solar Power Station was completed in December 2008 and has reduced the fuel burn on Lady Elliot Island by in excess of 50%.

Resort management have managed to reduce both supply and demand of power on the island. The Day Peak consumption has dropped from 100-120APP to 30-50APP while Night consumption has been reduced from 60-80 APP to less than 10APP!

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