The Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) has received a grant of $743,310 from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism to develop and deliver a comprehensive and targeted program for Australian transport and logistics SMEs.
The Supply Chain, Transport and Logistics sector is a high energy consumer. However, there are significant opportunities for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs including reduction in the usage of electricity, all types of fuels and refrigerants as well as optimisation of transport, loads, materials handling, cold chain logistics, scheduling and other efficiencies.
David Rogers, Chairman – SCLAA indicated that SMEs in the supply chain and logistics industry face time and competitive pressures and lack the targeted skills and resources to identify and improve their energy use, which in turn would benefit their business productivity.
The Energy Efficiency Solutions project will deliver a comprehensive closed loop program for SCLAA members and other SMEs in the supply chain and logistics sector. The program will equip SCLAA’s substantial membership, contacts and 409,756 SMEs across Australia who warehouse, distribute and/or transport goods, with targeted tools, resources and training tailored specifically to improve their energy efficiency. The program will be delivered at 30 locations in every State and Territory across Australia and all components will be available online.
Outlining the 7-stage program, Mark Skipper, National Director – SCLAA explains that Stages 1 – 6 will be completed by July 2014 and Stage 7 by December 2014. All content will be available on the SCLAA website at least until the end of 2021.
Stage 1
Research and stakeholder consultation
Stage 2
Creation of a web-based ‘Energy Efficiency Assessment tool’ to assist SMEs benchmark their energy performance against industry best practice, and understand where key opportunities to improve energy efficiency exist within their business.
Stage 3
Based on the outcomes of Stage 1, creation of comprehensive workshop packs of tools and resources to assist time- and resource-poor SMEs to take action on energy efficiency.
Stage 4
Promote the project through existing channels to build awareness about the project across the sector and inform SMEs how they can benefit environmentally and financially by participating.
Stage 5
Deliver half to full day workshops in all 8 State and Territory Capital Cities, plus 22 regional locations in every State and Territory across Australia in addition to 10 interactive webinars, where participants can also ask questions in real time and learn from other similar businesses.
Stage 6
Workshop content and recordings will be made available online to maximise reach to SMEs who are unable to participate in a workshop or a webinar.
Stage 7
Follow up all participants for three and six months after stage 4 or 5. Ensure benchmarks are being bettered and that each SME has a strategy to reduce energy consumption.
Skipper adds that ClimateWorks Australia, a not-for-profit organisation will be SCLAA’s project partner. ClimateWorks has an extensive track record, and their knowledge and capability will ensure the success of the project for SCLAA members and the 400,000+ SMEs in the supply chain and logistics industry.
Image: Mark Skipper