11 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Annual Report 2019-20

22 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

“ My commitment to the climate emergency is every single day.” Alison Rowe Australian Energy Foundation CEO At the National Climate Emergency Summit 2020

Contents About AEF 4

From the Chair and CEO 5

At a Glance 2019–20 6

The Bright Spark Rebranding 7

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8

Strategic Goal 1 9

Strategic Goal 2 12

Strategic Goal 3 15

Get Involved 20

3 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

4 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

About AEF

Our VisionThe Australian Energy Foundation’s vision is for an equitable zero carbon society.

Our RoleOur role is to accelerate the energy transition by empowering communities to take action.

Our WorkThrough our expertise, tenacity and partnerships, we:

Demonstrate the pathways to a zero carbon society.

Influence and Inspireto build understanding, investment and action.

Deliver solutionsthat have a positive impact.

This report covers the 2019–20 financial year and we are reporting against the Strategic Goals that applied over that period. This is the first financial year with our new name Australian Energy Foundation (AEF), previously known as the Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd (MEFL), as we continue to deliver our vision of an equitable zero carbon society throughout Australia.

We want all Australians to have access to the affordable and renewable energy they need to:

Be healthy

Have meaningful

work

Maintain financial stability

Connect with their community

Prosper through continuous

learning

5 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

From the Chair and CEOA year of significant challenges and changes.

In our first year with our new name Australian Energy Foundation, we have gone through a period of immense change. In order to best serve our national scope, we have built a strong team across Victoria and New South Wales, with the aim to expand our reach and impact further across the country.

We acknowledge this has been a challenging year for our team, in a rapidly changing market significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has provided the opportunity to re-evaluate and rebuild into something even stronger. Guided by our principles embodied by our ‘The Bright Spark’ Rebranding in 2019 [Read more], we look forward to championing these sentiments as an organisation in the upcoming year.

Australian Energy Foundation has designed and delivered exciting and innovative projects over the year. Our notable projects include:

• Developing ‘proof of concept’ of the behind-the-meter solar technology with Allume, which delivered over $60,000 worth of savings over the system lifetime for apartment residents in Brunswick East.

• Undertaking research on behalf of Jemena to better understand how best to support their registered Life Support Customers, resulting in over 400 calls made to identify their needs, priorities and preferences.

• Completing the EnergySmart Program which resulted in upgrading 1,435 homes, improving residents’ comfort and reducing the cost of living through energy efficiency.

• The Victorian Healthy Homes Program has continued this year with great success: we increased house upgrades and installations by 52% compared to the previous year, despite three months less for delivery due to COVID-19.

• Our Energy Advice Services in its 7th year, providing advice to 28 subscribing councils’ residents in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

We ended the financial year with a surplus of over $200,000, more than double our budget expectations. This is a fantastic result and we owe this to the collective effort of our team.

With these successes in mind, Australian Energy Foundation is looking forward to growing even more in the upcoming year, as we align our strategic plan to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We will report on our results in future Annual Reports, as advised by UN Global Compact Policy.

We would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude for everyone at Australian Energy Foundation (our team, our board, our members and our partners) for being supportive and hardworking allies as we work towards achieving an equitable zero carbon society in Australia.

Travis Neal, Chair

Alison Rowe, CEO

“ We acknowledge this has been a challenging year for our team, in a rapidly changing market significantly disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic. However, this has provided the opportunity to re-evaluate and rebuild into something even stronger.”

At a Glance 2019–20In FY2019–20, we created our new impact dashboard to better reflect the work we do at AEF. This introduced three new metrics: number of homes retrofitted, energy assessments and community conversations.

During 2019–20, across our activities and projects, we achieved:

533 energy assessments

12,665 community conversations

58.9 kilotonnes CO2

reduction*

2.65 MW of renewables

installed*

1,270 homesretrofitted

6 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

*�� �For�comparison,�below�are�the�FY2018–19�figures;�

our�figures�this�year�have�been�impacted�by�COVID-19.

�72.3�kilotonnes�CO2�reduction���

2.7�MW�of�renewables�installed

7 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

The Bright Spark was born – an unmistakable icon recognised nationally (and soon-to-be globally), synonymous with renewable energy, tackling climate change and engaging communities to take action.

Our new brand identity captures our drive and allows AEF to play the role of trusted educator, partner, advisor and service provider to our diverse audiences.

Read more about the Bright Spark rebranding from Principals.

Principals won the following awards as a result of their branding work for AEF:

A show of openess & unity Partnering of passionate people and an engaged community.

A vibrant burst of energyA catalyst for meaningful change.

That is always pushing for new horizonsStriving for a brighter future.

A mark of continual optimism Never losing sight of our mission.

The bright spark An icon of relentless passion & progress.

Melbourne Design Awards 2020 gold [Read more]

Rebrand Awards 2020 best of award [Read more]

“ We are thrilled with the new brand identity which cleverly brings to life the foundation’s refreshed positioning. This new look will help us to accelerate our vision of an equitable zero carbon society on a national and global stage.”

� Alison�Rowe,�CEO,�

� Australian�Energy�Foundation

The Bright Spark RebrandingBranding agency Principals created our new brand image after our renaming to the Australian Energy Foundation in 2019.

“ It’s been a pleasure working with the Australian Energy Foundation team on a significant and inspiring cause. Our aim was to capture the foundation’s drive to empower communities to take action on energy and climate, and we hope this brand will help them to amplify the impact nationally with a sense of optimism and momentum.”

� Tim�Riches,�Group�Strategy�Director,�

Principals

8 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsWe have aligned our three strategic goals to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as detailed below and incorporated throughout this report. As advised by UN Global Compact Policy, we will report on our results in future Annual Reports.

We create, demonstrate and share clear transition pathways to a zero carbon society.

Goal 1

Goal 2 We increase energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy in Australia.

We are a sustainable organisation.

Goal 3

9 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 1

This year we launched some exciting new projects and trials to demonstrate and share the pathways to a zero carbon society. Some projects were completed within the financial year, others are ongoing and we look forward to reporting the results of these projects in the next financial year.

Solar for Apartments on Lygon StreetAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We worked with Allume, an Australian technology start-up, for a ‘proof of concept’ pilot for their behind-the-meter solar sharing technology. An apartment building on Lygon Street in Brunswick East, Victoria was selected: a mix of ten residential and commercial units.

During the pilot, we installed 12kW of solar PV and supplied solar-powered electricity to the common areas, businesses and eight residential dwellings in the building, allowing all owners and tenants to benefit from renewable energy.

Due to the optimisation of surplus energy between apartment residents, Allume technology is 40% more energy efficient than individual household solar systems.

As a result of this pilot, we recruited a number of candidates who may proceed in the future with the solar sharing technology.

“ It’s been really great working with AEF and Allume on this exciting solar panel project. We’ve been able to get access to this cutting edge technology so that all the residents in our building can have the solar energy split into the different units. I definitely would recommend getting solar panels to other people and excited that there’s the opportunity for other apartment buildings to also get solar panels in the future.”

Kerry,�Resident,�Brunswick�East

We create, demonstrate and share clear transition pathways to a zero carbon society.

20 tonnes carbon abated per year

12kW of solar PV installed during the pilot

$60,000+ savings over system lifetime for residents

AEF�staff�member,�Daniel�Beaton,�on-site�at�the�Solar�for�Apartments�project.

PLAY VIDEO

10 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Life Support Customer ResearchAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

RACV Pilot for Energy Efficiency AdviceAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

On behalf of Jemena, we undertook research to understand who their registered Life Support Customers are and how best to support them. This research aligns with Jemena’s commitment to putting customers first.

AEF surveyed 7% of Jemena’s Life Support Customers, which resulted in research data that enabled Jemena to better understand Life Support Customers’ needs, priorities and preferences with the aim of delivering improved service to and outcomes for Life Support Customers. The data from the survey also provided an opportunity to ascertain whether existing contact and life support details were correct.

Moving forward, AEF was awarded grant funding from Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) to conduct further research into Life Support Customers to gain a better understanding of their varying needs and challenges across the National Electricity Market (NEM). In 2020, AEF were awarded a project to

deliver the Energy Efficiency Advice Pilot with RACV. We offered RACV members energy efficiency advice from our Energy Advisors on insulation and draught proofing, LED lighting, hot water heat pumps, reverse cycle air conditioners, solar and batteries.

The pilot was delivered successfully, resulting with AEF and RACV currently in negotiations for ongoing future engagement.

Strategic Goal 1 continued

400+ calls made

108 online surveys completed

149 telephone surveys completed

11 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Climate Reality Project Leadership TrainingAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

One of our AEF staff members, Alanna Robertson, attended the Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training led by former US president Al Gore. The intensive three-day course included sessions on how citizens can influence decision makers, critical communications strategy and advocacy skills necessary to mobilise communities and catalyse solutions to the climate crisis. Alanna gained an understanding of the road ahead for the climate movement and heard from leading experts on strategies for implementing practical clean energy and sustainability solutions.

As a graduated Climate Reality Leader, Alanna completed her first Truth in Ten Climate Reality presentation to AEF staff in August 2019, and this presentation is now used to educate AEF staff on the Climate Emergency. Additionally, Alanna currently hosts webinars for AEF on how to avoid Bill Shock during the COVID-19 lockdown.

AEF�staff�member,�Alanna�Robertson�(second�from�right),�at�the�Climate�Reality�Project�Leadership�Training�2019�event�in�Brisbane.�

Photo�by�Tony�Moore,�Fairfax�Media.

Strategic Goal 1 continued

12 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Total CO2 Reduction

58.9 kilotonnes

Strategic Goal 2We increase energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy in Australia.

4,995 Quote Requests 73% Solar & Batteries

27% Energy Efficiency

749 Installation Upgrades 85% Residential Solar Installs (636 upgrades)

15% Energy Efficiency (113 upgrades)

2,928.04kW Solar installed

182.90kWh Battery Capacity Installed

Online: 117,048 website sessions 268,574 Page Views

214,623 Social Impressions

5,759 Social Posts Engagements

Energy Advice ServicesAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Australian Energy Foundation provides independent and expert Energy Advice Services (EAS) that can drastically improve local communities’ environmental impacts and energy affordability. Subscribing councils’ residents can call our EAS to speak our Australia-based Energy Advisors and receive free customised advice on their electricity bill, suggested home upgrades and behaviour changes, and access to free quotes from our trusted suppliers.

In 2020, we celebrated the 7th year of our EAS. It was another successful year with expansion into new states, gaining of new partners and the addition of new services.

• Over 2.9MW of residential solar and 180kW of battery capacity installed through the program across 28 subscribing councils in NSW, VIC and QLD saving 58.9 kilotonnes of CO2e.

• We provided our services to 5 business to support them to switch to solar and install over 240kW of solar PV.

• Throughout the year we supported 4,995 people with quote requests. Although this figure is a reduction from the previous year, we made up for this through the addition of 2,077 phone conversations, over 704% compared to last year.

• The addition of comprehensive ‘how to’ guides on our website saw over 117k website sessions and increased volume of calls.

• Introduced new engagement services as additional value to subscribing councils’ residents, including 260 five- minute phone Energy Consultations and 66 information sessions.

• We successfully transitioned our in-person information sessions to online webinars in response to COVID-19.

“ [The information session was a] highly worthwhile experience! AEF were great in identifying the weak points in our home.”

��Information�Session�participant

5 Businesses Upgrades 244kW Solar PV installed

Community Engagement 921 Email Enquiries

2,077 Phone Conversations

260 Energy and Bills Shock Consultations (new service)

66 Webinars and Information Sessions

13 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 2 continued

Victorian Healthy Homes ProgramAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Victorian Healthy Homes Program is the first randomised controlled research study of its kind. The program is designed to measure whether making a home warmer and drier during winter leads to improved health outcomes for people experiencing chronic illnesses.

This year we achieved the study target by recruiting a total of 1,000 households in western Melbourne and Goulburn Valley. Whilst upgrade delivery has been paused due to COVID-19, we still achieved 262 upgrades and 928 installations, a 52% increase on last year’s results with three months less for delivery.

Australian Energy Foundation are collaborating with the project sponsor Sustainability Victoria to deliver the remainder of research delivery remotely and developing a COVID Safe Plan for when upgrades can reoccur.

“ Participant X has multiple chronic illnesses which include heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease requiring dialysis treatment. Prior to the Healthy Homes program, Participant X did not have any heating in their home and during winter was at a constant risk of developing fluid build-up in the lungs. Through Healthy Homes, AEF installed a split system and insulation.

As a result, this has dramatically reduced Participant X’s symptom severity during winter. In addition, the upgrades have made a significant improvement to their mental wellbeing, increasing their activity levels throughout the day.”

� �Victorian�Healthy�Homes�case�study

125 Electrical Lighting

3 General Trade Works

222 Insulation/ Draught Proofing

124 Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning

394 Gas Heating

60 Window Furnishings

262 Homes Upgraded 928 Installations 52% increase on last year’s results, with three months less for delivery

14 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 2 continued

EnergySmart Public Housing ProjectAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Beginning in May 2017, the EnergySmart Public Housing Research Project has officially been delivered. We were responsible for delivering a variety of upgrades to 1,435 of Department of Health and Human Services public housing dwellings located across Victoria.

The upgrades included appliance and thermal shell upgrades, behaviour initiatives and Victorian Residential Scorecard Assessments.

This year there were 73 reverse cycle ACs installed, 42 hot water heat pumps installed, and 179 properties received thermal upgrades including blinds, eCoating on windows, insulation, draught proofing and wall vents/ draught stoppers.

73 Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning

42 Hot Water Heat Pumps

179 Thermal Upgrades

1,435 Homes Upgraded

15 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 3

In November 2019, AEF joined over 70 local governments across Australia, 250 non-government organisations and 11,000 scientists in declaring a climate emergency.

AEF have had net zero emissions and have been carbon neutral since 2016-17. Here are our current sustainability policies and initiatives:

• We purchase 100% GreenPower (electricity from renewable energy) from our energy retailer Powershop. Our office shut down procedures ensure all lights and appliances are turned off at the switchboard each day.

• Our Sustainable Travel Policy ensures our staff are supported and encouraged to make environmentally sustainable travel choices, through access to public transport travel cards, $250 bicycle subsidy per staff member and access to an electric vehicle and foldable bicycle in our Brunswick office.

By declaring a climate emergency, AEF acknowledges:

• Catastrophic changes to climate have been caused by human activity

• We will mobilise and take action at scale and speed to restore a safe climate

• To restore a safe climate, we need to transition to net zero emissions rapidly

• We don’t accept business as usual

• We know the technical solutions and we now need the political action and rapid implementation of those solutions

In July 2020, we took the important next step of finalising our own Climate Emergency Action Plan 2020–25 [Read more]. The development of this Climate Emergency Action Plan is a vital step for a meaningful climate emergency declaration. The Plan was developed in direct reference to AEF’s Strategic Plan, and in the spirit of collaboration, innovation and teamwork the development involved all AEF staff, members and the AEF Board. We are working towards an Implementation Plan that will utilise SMART goals and ensure the actions from the plan are implemented.

• Our Sustainable Events Policy requires that the carbon emissions resulting from our major events are offset through carbon credit purchase. All catering at AEF is vegetarian (vegan where possible) and as low-packaging as possible.

• We participate in Plastic-Free July, exploring options for cutting down on single-use plastic consumption, and offer reusable take-away cups and containers to all staff.

• Our Sustainability Committee runs education sessions for staff on sustainability topics, and a weekly rotating kitchen roster ensures that all staff are trained in sustainable office practices, contributing to lifelong sustainability learning.

We are expanding our reach across Australia in order to accelerate the energy transition, and now have staff and office spaces in Melbourne and Sydney. As we do this, we will ensure our growth as an organisation remains sustainable and supports our people, while maximising our impact.

AEF’s Climate Emergency Action PlanAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are a Sustainable OrganisationAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are a sustainable organisation.

16 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 3 continued

COVID-19 ImpactsDue to COVID-19, our workplace practices in 2020 looked a little different. From March 2020, all staff made the transition to full-time working from home. Travel and events have been replaced by virtual meetings.

However, we are happy to report that as a result of our workplace sustainability practices, as well as changes due to COVID-19 and working from home, our carbon footprint has reduced by 40% from FY18–19 to FY19–20! We have offset our carbon footprint through South Pole, in line with previous years.

EMISSIONS AT A GLANCE

Our carbon footprint has reduced by

40% from the previous year.

12.58t CO2e Business Travel This includes car hire, ride-sharing services and flights.

0.44t CO2e Paper We use Mindful Paper – a carbon neutral certified brand of paper.

2.59t CO2e Electricity Emissions from off-site laptop use in NSW and VIC.

NOTE:

This�amount�does�not�include�electricity�

for�our�Brunswick�office�(15.98t�CO2e)�

which�is�purchased�through�Powershop�

and�hence�already�carbon�neutral.

Total carbon footprint FY19–20: 15.61t CO2e* Total carbon footprint FY18–19: 25.88t CO2e* *�As�in�previous�years,�AEF�have�offset�our�

carbon�emissions�through�South�Pole.

Our FY19–20 emissions:

17 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 3 continued

Employee Engagement SurveyThis year’s survey was conducted in May 2020, with focus on the below two metrics:

• Flexible Workplace 91% of staff in 2020 felt that AEF is a flexible workplace, on par with last year’s result (90% in 2019). A new question was included this year (ability to take time off when needed), but if this was excluded, the result would have been 94% in 2020.

• Culture of Trust 73% of staff in 2020 felt they were working within a culture of trust, lower than last year’s result (92% in 2019). We acknowledge AEF has had a difficult time as an organisation in the past year, but we have addressed this with an internal culture building piece in FY20–21.

Diversity and InclusionAligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Board Members

From our Diversity and Inclusion Plan [Read more], our Year 1 Goal is: By 30 June 2020, we aim to have 50% female representation on the ELT, and 50% representation of the Board and committee members.

AEF have made strides towards this goal, ending the financial year with a ratio of 40% female and 60% male, across Board members, co-opted members and the Executive Leadership Team.

We look forward to achieving more towards these goals outlined in our Diversity and Inclusion Plan, with our Diversity and Inclusion internal committee championing this throughout the year.

Travis Neal Chair of the Board & Non-Executive Director

Dugald Murray Committee Chair & Non-Executive Director

Imogen Jubb, Non-Executive Director

Sarah Paparo Company Secretary

Andrew Hewett Non-Executive Director

Nikki Potter Non-Executive Director

Alison Rowe Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

James Scott Committee Chair & Non-Executive Director

Ali Irfanli Non-Executive Director

Cameron Herbert Non-Executive Director

18 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 3 continued

Financials

View the full AEF Audited Financial Statements online www.aef.com.au/about-us/annual-reports/

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

–

AUSTRALIAN ENERGY FOUNDATION

ABN: 72 095 439 160

2020

$

2019

$

Revenue 5,440,727 6,439,357

Employee Benefit Expenses (2,209,196) (3,379,381)

Project Costs (2,493,298) (2,765,635)

Depreciation Expense (55,711) (55,798)

Occupancy Expenses (46,975) (46,242)

Other Expenses (426,485) (560,704)

Net Current year surplus/(deficit) 209,062 (368,404)

Other Comprehensive Income - -

Total Comprehensive Income/(loss) attributable to the members of the entity 209,062 (368,404)

19 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Strategic Goal 3 continued

2020

$

2019

$

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 1,619,084 1,309,909

Trade and other receivables 647,928 1,474,526

Prepayments 23,894 62,212

Other financial assets 4,587 4,913

Inventories 59,070 136,000

Total�Current�Assets 2,355,463 2,987,560

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables 11,000

Plant and equipment 40,243 91,981

Other financial assets 1,000 4,985

Total�Non�Current�Assets 41,243 107,966

TOTAL ASSETS 2,396,706 3,095,526

FinancialsSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2020

–

AUSTRALIAN ENERGY FOUNDATION

ABN: 72 095 439 160

2020

$

2019

$

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 1,647,446 2,496,414

Employee benefits 113,712 170,749

Total�Current�Liabilities 1,761,158 2,667,162

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

Employee benefits 16,703 18,579

Total�Non�Current�Liabilities 16,703 18,579

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,777,861 2,685,741

NET ASSETS 618,845 409,785

Retained surplus 618,845 409,785

TOTAL EQUITY 618,845 409,785

20 | Australian Energy Foundation Annual Report 2019–20

Get InvolvedJoin us in achieving our vision for an equitable zero carbon society, in Australia and beyond, by supporting Australian Energy Foundation:

Become an AEF member www.aef.com.au/about-us/become-an-aef-member/

Volunteer www.aef.com.au/about-us/careers/volunteer/�

www.aef.com.au | 03 9385 8585