Energy and water users told to cut consumption

Victoria's biggest water and energy users will be required to come up with a plan to cut their consumption.

More than 250 sites across Victoria, including hospitals, shopping centres, the Melbourne Zoo and universities, will be affected.

The Environment Minister Gavin Jennings says the program will deliver net savings.

Mr Jennings says the new Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans program, includes sites which represent 45 per cent of Victoria's energy usage.

"The 250 major energy users in Victoria are part of a program that will turn around their performance of being more efficient in using water wisely," he said.

"Changing the ways that they use energy, introducing new processes, to reduce their energy consumption."

Mr Jennings says he is confident that by cutting energy and water usage, they will save money.

Mr Jennings says the program will help participants to be ready for a future Emissions Trading Scheme.

"In terms of energy consumption, resource use generally, we can demonstrate how people can make that transformation in a way that supports their business and can drive real change and real benefits that will assist them in complying with emissions trading when it starts," he said.

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Thu 10th July 2008 - 11:59am