Reduce use

If you want to cut your energy and water use, as well as your waste, you don't have to do it on your own.

Sustainability Victoria is offering boosting business productivity energy assessment grants to help small and medium sized businesses find energy efficiency improvements, review pricing tariffs, and suitable renewable energy options.

Two grant types are available to cover 50 percent of the cost of an energy assessment at your business site:

1. Basic energy assessment grant: up to $2000 towards the cost of the assessment – recommended for businesses spending between $20,000 and $50,000 on energy per annum.
   
2. Detailed energy assessment grant: up to $6000 towards the cost of the assessment – recommended for businesses spending more that $50,000 on energy per annum.

A $3000 implementation bonus is also available for businesses that carry out one or more assessment recommendations, which will result in an energy (GJ) reduction at the business site.

Apply here

Reduce water use

To perform a water audit, or if you're planning to reuse or recycle water, Victoria's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) provides ideas and frameworks to reduce water use and generate less wastewater.

Reduce and manage waste

To handle and recycle your waste, you can access help from:

• Recycling Near You – search for local recycling information
• Sustainability Victoria – find resources to manage your waste production.

How can I get started on being more sustainable?

Additional ways to plan and introduce sustainable practices in your business include:

• reading the advice on your council, energy or water retailer's website
• hiring a professional for a detailed environmental analysis – visit the Clean Energy Regulator for a list of accredited energy auditors, which can involve a complete assessment, or help with just one aspect, such as thermal performance assessment or refrigeration and air conditioning assessment
• contacting your industry association to find out if an active sustainability related project exists – or why not be the one to start a project for your industry?
• investigating what grants and assistance are available in Victoria for your industry.