Summer Student Review
We’ve had a student, Keith, with us during the summer university break. We think it’s a great way to help develop engineers, and foster interest in the industry. Keith kindly wrote a blog post about his experiences; hopefully this gives prospective summer students an indication of what sort of things you end up working on as a student.
I applied for the Summer Intern position at DETA looking to gain experience doing active work within a progressive industry. Being a part of the small, yet dynamic, team was a great all-round experience. The level of responsibility and involvement surpassed expectations – but at no point was I overwhelmed, with the full support of Senior Engineers, Project Managers and IT Guru’s no more than two steps from my desk.
The vast range of clients and the scope of DETA’s capabilities allowed for involvement in many interesting projects. Over the summer my main project was to perform an Energy Audit for a meat plant. The audit reviewed identified opportunities to save energy, and ultimately costs – often by simply using existing systems differently. The project highlight was being able to go on-site for two days to take measurements and talk with the site Engineering Manager.
Throughout my time here I have become involved with many Energy Management Reports and the development of Budget Reports. These are great initiatives that enable tracking of system performance to be neatly presented on a ‘One Page Report’. This was a great opportunity to experience the “business end” of DETA’s ongoing projects and develop an appreciation for the financial element behind all projects.
We had a lot of fun working with Keith, and he delivered some great results. Based on our experiences, we’ll definitely be looking for another student next year. Thanks Keith!
Have you noticed the shift in how we think about energy in business? Energy is no longer a utility expense on a spreadsheet; it's a strategic resource that can make or break your profit margin. As energy costs fluctuate and sustainability pressures mount, businesses across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific are discovering that smart energy management is the key to unlocking operational excellence, cost savings, and environmental compliance. But what exactly does effective energy management look like, and how can it transform your industrial operations? The power of strategic energy management Energy typically represents one of the largest controllable expenses for industrial operations. Yet many businesses continue to view it as a fixed cost rather than an opportunity for strategic advantage. The reality is that comprehensive energy management has the power to deliver transformative benefits across your entire operation. When implemented effectively, energy management strategies don't just reduce utility bills - they create ripple effects throughout your business ecosystem, enhancing productivity, reducing maintenance costs, extending equipment lifespans, and strengthening your brand's reputation as an environmentally responsible operator. Not just saving money: the many advantages of energy management Financial advantages The most enticing benefit of energy management is straightforward cost reduction. By identifying inefficiencies, eliminating waste, and optimising consumption patterns, businesses typically see energy cost reductions of 10-30%. For energy-intensive industries, this translates to a significant amount of money and improvements. A Christchurch manufacturing plant recently worked with energy efficiency consultants to implement a comprehensive energy management program. The result? A 22% reduction in energy costs within the first year, with minimal capital investment. The savings came primarily from optimising existing systems rather than purchasing new equipment.
Discover why smart energy audits are essential for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and building long-term business resilience. Learn more!
Learn to build a practical roadmap to energy efficiency, from audits to strategic actions, for sustainable, cost-effective, & long-term energy savings.
