The following information is intended as an assessment tool to determine which of the ESD opportunities considered for the project fall into the standard budgeting process and which are eligible for allocation of 5% for ESD (innovation & infrastructure).
Leading or demonstrational (L or D) building elements and equipment that have a simple payback greater than 3 years may have their extra cost over business as usual, funded from the environmental performance budget allocation. Opportunities shall be selected for funding within the ESD allocation on the basis of:
It is possible that the DHS may wish to invest in innovative technology to raise community awareness, or for other reasons. Consideration should be given to external sources of funding for environmental initiatives. Further information on current funding is available from the DHS Environmental web page
Note: The DHS policy and procedures for cost management and value management are described in Cost Planning Guideline.
Each ESD measure in addition to technical and social benefits shall be assessed against economic return. Financial evaluation of options will be assessed against payback period.The Payback Period method evaluates the economic worth of a project by calculating the time it takes to recover the additional capital outlay (over base) of an energy saving project. The definition of a useful payback period is dictated by a number of factors. The most significant of these would be the useful life of the asset. Other factors to consider are, risk profile of the service, the type of asset being purchased, the cost of the asset being purchased, how quickly the asset will be superseded because of technological change and, the time the asset will be able to operate under normal conditions.
Formula: Payback Period = Cost of energy saving asset
Annual cash flows
Where ESD initiatives are being considered above minimum standard or business as usual only the ‘additional’ capital cost and period of payback should be factored into payback periods. Savings in other areas resulting from the implementation of a certain measure shall be considered ‘benefits’ and taken into account in calculations.
The DHS have defined the following nominal financial values to be used, however current data should be sourced and used in preference:
| Life Cycle | Variable – 10 to 30 years (plant), 5 years (for controls) |
| Gas & electricity and other fuel Costs | Determined in accordance with market conditions & tariffs |
| Discount Rate | As determined in Strategic Business Case |
| Demonstrational /Innovation - D | |||
| Leading Practice - L | |||
| Standard Practice - S |
Legend
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Agencies are responsible for catering for these items within existing budget |
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| Eligible for ESD allowance | |
| Work considering separately |