Energy audits driving profit: real-world success stories

In today's global business landscape, energy costs and carbon emissions represent well documented and significant challenges, but by being proactive and tackling them head on there are opportunities: difficulties mastered are opportunities won.

Forward-thinking companies across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific are discovering that comprehensive energy audits have the power to unlock substantial cost savings while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. As businesses navigate increasingly strict climate regulations, the value of expert energy management has never been clearer.


Ahead of compliance: the business case for energy audits

Energy audits have evolved far beyond simple compliance measures. When executed by experienced energy efficiency consultants, these assessments reveal hidden opportunities for operational improvement and cost reduction.


As a leading sustainability consultancy, DETA undertakes energy audits conducted to AS/NZ 3598:2014 standards to provide businesses with actionable and achievable insights that directly impact the bottom line. Rather than offering generic recommendations, our approach focuses on understanding each client's unique operational context before identifying targeted opportunities.


"We understand the challenges businesses face in reducing energy costs, minimising carbon emissions, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing environment," explains a DETA spokesperson. "Our goal is to ensure clients can make informed, sustainable decisions that drive long-term cost reductions and business resilience."


Success stories: turning energy insights into profit

The real value of energy audits becomes clear when examining real-world results. Here are examples of how organisations have leveraged expert energy management services to drive meaningful change:


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Healthcare sector transformation

When the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) needed to improve energy efficiency across 84 healthcare facilities in the Grampians region, they turned to DETA's energy audit services. Through detailed data collection, stakeholder consultations, equipment inspections, and benchmarking analysis, we were able to identify opportunities that could potentially abate 4,844 tonnes of CO2e annually.

This comprehensive approach didn't just help VHBA align with Victoria's emission reduction goals - it created a roadmap for significant operational cost savings across their healthcare network.


Manufacturing efficiency and process optimisation breakthrough

Gelita Australia, which has been manufacturing gelatine from bovine hide since 1917, commissioned DETA to conduct a Type 2 energy audit at their Beaudesert plant near Queensland. The energy management consultants thoroughly reviewed site energy consumption and identified multiple Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs) with less than five-year payback periods.


The recommendations would not only reduce overall energy consumption but also cut carbon emissions by at least 1,700 tCO2e per year upon implementation - demonstrating how targeted energy efficiency services can create both environmental and financial benefits.


Food and beverage industry innovation

The Indevin Group approached DETA for support on decarbonising and improving efficiency across their operations while future-proofing their expansion investments. DETA developed a comprehensive pathway with a particular focus on eliminating fossil fuels from the winemaking process.


Starting with the 15th Valley Winery, DETA's carbon reduction strategies are anticipated to cut approximately 300 tonnes of CO2e annually. These learnings are now being expanded into a group-wide roadmap, giving Indevin confidence they can balance energy and carbon efficiency while maintaining their wine's quality and consistency.


A row of stainless steel tanks are sitting in front of a building.

Immediate ROI for commercial operations

A commercial laundry facility facing escalating natural gas costs and supply security concerns engaged DETA to develop carbon management solutions. DETA's approach was two-pronged: first identifying quick savings to reduce immediate costs, then mapping a comprehensive transition away from gas.


Through an in-depth site investigation, DETA identified immediate savings exceeding $200,000, the equivalent to a 10% reduction in natural gas use, with a payback period of less than one year. This case demonstrates how expert energy and carbon management services can deliver extraordinary returns on investment.


Strategic sustainability services: building on energy foundations

While energy audits form the foundation of sustainability improvements, DETA's approach extends to broader sustainability consulting services. Our work with Six Senses resort on Malolo Island demonstrates how energy efficiency can be integrated with renewable generation strategies to create comprehensive solutions.

For this project, we developed a high-level business case covering both demand reduction and energy supply options, including PV installation (both rooftop and solar farm) alongside diesel generation alternatives. The result was a clear investment pathway that optimised long-term operational costs.


Similarly, work with the Fijian Department of Energy showcases the consultancy's ability to operate at scale. By collecting energy consumption data from over 300 commercial, hospitality, and industrial sites across Viti Levu, DETA helped establish the country's first energy benchmarking project—a key component in meeting Fiji's Paris Agreement obligations.



Two construction workers are looking at a book on a construction site.

Moving forward: from audit to implementation

An energy audit represents just the first step in a comprehensive energy efficiency and decarbonisation journey. Once cost-effective and practical opportunities are identified, implementation becomes the focus.


DETA offers support throughout this journey, from detailed feasibility studies and business cases to implementation, commissioning and face-to-face training. Our services span:


  • Strategy and transition planning


  • Feasibility studies


  • Engineering design




As one DETA client noted, "Between their industry experience and our team's understanding of the site, we were able to deliver projects that made a real impact on both our carbon footprint and cost bottom line."


DETA: your partner in sustainability and profit

As businesses throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific face mounting pressure to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, partnerships with experienced sustainability consultants become increasingly valuable. Companies like DETA provide not just technical expertise but a collaborative approach to transform energy challenges into opportunities for profit and resilience.


Ready to unlock energy savings and drive sustainability?

Discover how a professional energy audit can transform your business. Download our brochure to learn what’s involved and how we’ve helped businesses across New Zealand and Australia reduce energy costs and emissions.


👉 Download the Energy Audit Brochure


Or Contact our Energy Experts to start your energy optimisation journey today.

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A2EP - 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Conference

23 September 2025
DETA Consulting was privileged to attend the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Conference, an event marked by practical insights and strategic collaboration for accelerating Australia’s industrial decarbonisation journey. Over two days, leading manufacturers, energy innovators, government representatives, and consultants came together to address the real-world challenges and opportunities in transitioning to renewable heat. Day 1: Practical Pathways to Decarbonisation The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Joan Bell, grounding the audience in the need for meaningful action that supports both environmental objectives and local communities. Keynote presentations underscored the urgency of decarbonising industrial heat—framing emissions reduction as both an ethical imperative and a commercial opportunity. Speakers delivered a clear message: industrial heat decarbonisation is no longer a distant goal, but an immediate, actionable challenge. The morning’s second session explored digitalisation and AI as enablers for renewable heat. For DETA Consulting and our clients, the role of digital controls, advanced analytics, and flexible demand management was a standout theme. Presenters demonstrated how smart systems and integrated energy efficiency strategies are already delivering measurable reductions in energy use and emissions. Flexible demand and digital optimisation are rapidly becoming standard practice for proactive, forward-thinking industrial energy management. Electrification was the defining topic of the afternoon. In dedicated sessions, attendees learned from real world case studies highlighting the deployment of heat pumps, mechanical vapour recompression (MVR), resistance heaters, and e-boilers. Technology providers and end-users shared practical advice on project scoping, integration, and operational outcomes. For DETA Consulting, the takeaway was clear: businesses across Australia are successfully retrofitting and upgrading industrial operations with electrified heat solutions, achieving energy cost reductions and compliance for net zero targets. Another key highlight was the discussion on engaging retailers and networks to de-risk and deliver renewable heat projects. Practical strategies for partnership and commercial model innovation were shared—essential intelligence for consultants guiding clients through complex energy procurement and project delivery environments. Sessions also drew attention to the evolving regulatory context, outlining how collaboration among stakeholders is expanding support for industrial decarbonisation. The day concluded with the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Awards, recognising leadership and operational excellence in electrification, biomass, and renewable gas adoption. Networking sessions fostered valuable peer connections, furthering the collaborative environment necessary to bring decarbonisation projects from concept to reality. 
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What is renewable energy? A guide to sustainable power solutions

23 September 2025
Renewable energy has rapidly become one of the most transformative forces reshaping industry, commerce, and society. As organisations face mounting pressure to reduce emissions, cut operational costs, and strengthen their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, understanding renewable energy is no longer optional - it is a strategic necessity. Businesses now need to adjust how they look at renewable energy, from a short-term compliance issue into a long-term opportunity, recognising renewable energy integration as a driver of efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage. It may feel daunting at first, but once you can see the advantages, we think you’ll find the impact and opportunities of renewable energy on your business incredibly exciting. Defining renewable energy: the foundation of sustainable business Renewable energy refers to natural energy sources that replenish themselves over human timescales, making them effectively inexhaustible. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and release harmful greenhouse gases when burned, renewable sources offer clean, sustainable alternatives capable of powering a modern economy while reducing environmental harm. The main types of renewable energy include: Solar power : harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems. Wind energy : generating electricity from turbines powered by air movement. Hydropower : producing electricity from the flow of water in rivers or dams. Geothermal energy : using heat from beneath the Earth’s crust. Biomass energy : converting organic materials into fuel or power. Tidal and wave energy : capturing the natural movement of oceans. Together, these solutions form the foundation of sustainable business energy strategies. 
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Take action on climate: join forces with DETA to reduce carbon emissions

4 August 2025
Join forces with DETA to take bold climate action. Help reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable, low-carbon future for all. Contact us today!
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