The heads of the Defence Deparment, Dr Allan Hawke and ADML Chris Barrie have appealed to us to conserve energy.

In a policy statement issued in brochure form, the executives said, "There is an increasing concern at community, national and international level about global warming and the need to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions.

"A major source of these emissions is from the consumption of energy.

"As part of its response to these concerns, the Government has set specific energy efficiency targets to be met by all Commonwealth departments and agencies not later than June 2003.

"While the targets relate primarily to energy use in buildings and establishments, the Government also expects energy wastage to be avoided in all aspects of Commonwealth operations.

"Defence is by far the largest consumer of energy in the Commonwealth sector.

"In 1999/2000 energy usage at Defence facilities was 48 per cent of total energy usage in all Commonwealth occupied facilities.

"Consequently the Government expects us to take a leading role in pursuing greater energy efficiencies.

"We readily accept this responsibility and are firmly committed to meeting Defence's obligations under current and future Government energy management policy," Dr Hawke and ADML Barrie said.

To support these commitments Defence will:

• encourage widespread involvement in energy conservation. This will be addressed through an effective two-way energy management communications strategy and by requiring commanders and executives to accept reducing energy wastage as an integral part of their resource management responsibilities.
  
  
• reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at existing Defence facilities through a cost effective program of energy efficiency improvement measures. This program is to be managed by Defence Corporate Services in consultation with the Services and other groups.
  
  
• minimise additional energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the development of new or refurbished facilities through a combination of energy efficient designs, setting energy targets for new facilities and incorporating renewable energy technologies wherever these can be justified. Implementing those elements of the Government's energy management policies which relate to new facilities, facilities undergoing major refurbishment and property leasing is an Estate management responsibility.
  
  
• Choose renewable energy technologies or lower greenhouse emitting fuels wherever an opportunity to do so exists. This choice will only be waived if there is a significant disadvantage on a whole of life cycle cost basis.

Dr Hawke and ADML Barrie said within this framework, overall responsibility for Defence's energy management policy development and strategic planning lies with DCS.

"Monitoring and reporting on Defence's progress towards greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions will also be a DCS responsibilty.

"All group executives are required to support Defence's energy management policy and to commit their organisations to pursue the adoption of energy conservation principles in their processes and work practices.

"We expect the senior officer, and for service bases, the commander, located on bases to provide leadership in the implementation of the Defence Energy Efficiency Program.

"Success in meeting the Government's targets will, by 2002-03, reduce the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from Defence's facilities operations by around 110,000 tonnes per annum.

"Therefore, to further emphasise the seriousness of our commitment, we have today signed an agreement with the Australian Greenhouse Office whereby Defence has become a participant in the Greenhouse Challenge Program."