Non-residential programs handbook
Businesses, services and industry are at the heart and centre of our cities and towns across NSW, and water is critical to many of them. Non-residential demand varies significantly across the state but can account for up to 60% of a utility’s water use.
Engaging the non-residential sector with a targeted program can offer:
- cost-effective water savings
- improved business productivity and competitiveness
- more resilient businesses that are better prepared for periods of water security.
The Non-residential programs handbook is designed as a resource for water utilities to successfully engage this important sector with targeted water efficiency initiatives. It highlights the benefits, drivers and challenges of working with the sector alongside handy tips and advice. It also offers an accessible and practical guide on implementing, monitoring and evaluating the initiatives in line with the NSW Water Efficiency Framework.
A series of workshops with staff from Hunter Water, Central Coast Council, Rous County Council, Tweed Shire Council, Tamworth Regional Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council, and Eurobodalla Shire Council informed the development of the handbook.
Handbook
This handbook is designed as a resource for water utilities operating across NSW. It highlights the drivers, challenges, and benefits of engaging this sector with targeted water efficiency initiatives.
Download the Non-residential water efficiency programs handbook (PDF. 9,600KB)Best-practice guidelines for sporting fields
Sport is part of our culture. NSW is home to about 4,850 sporting fields that occupy about 5,960 hectares. With care, we can ensure our natural turf fields continue to:
- accommodate more sport and recreation and deliver better quality playing surfaces
- be more resilient to climate extremes including floods and drought
- be more efficient with irrigation and make use of suitable alternative water sources to reduce potable water use.
Guidelines
The Best-practice guidelines for sporting fields is designed as a resource for climate-resilient playing surfaces in NSW. It provides the science and evidence to improve the planning, design, construction and management of community sporting fields and troubleshoots common limitations.
Download the Best-practice guidelines for sporting fields (PDF. 3,700KB)NABERS Water Starters Offer
The department is helping to reduce the cost of first time NABERS Water ratings for buildings. This initiative allows building owners to understand and track their water usage performance against other similar buildings and identify areas for cost savings and future improvements.
NABERS Water ratings look at the amount of water used and recycled within office buildings, shopping centres, apartment buildings, public hospitals and hotels.
Building owners can receive $1,000 (excluding GST) towards a NABERS Water rating per building in NSW. Buildings in regional areas can also receive an additional $500 discount if located outside Sydney Metropolitan, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Participants in the program will also be offered water efficiency materials and opportunities for capacity building.
Eligibility
To receive the offer, building owners must commit to two consecutive NABERS Water ratings, as well as an action plan for improvements between ratings.
The contribution can be used towards administration and assessor fees in specific sectors.
The conditions of this and other offers are available on the NABERS website.
Apply for the program
Apply for the Water Starters offer directly with an accredited NABERS assessor company or by visiting the NABERS website.
Applications close 28 February 2023, or when funding is exhausted.
For more information, email nabers@environment.nsw.gov.au