After staff costs, energy use can be one of the biggest expenses for small businesses.
Reducing energy, reducing waste and reusing is a guaranteed way to improve your small business profitability, resilience and value.
Going Circular program
Want to know how your business can have less impact on the environment while making money and saving resources? Check out our Going Circular business program.
Save energy
Discounts are available through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for a range of energy efficiency upgrades, including:
- upgrading to high-efficiency reverse cycle air-conditioners
- replacing inefficient gas hot water systems
- retrofitting indoor and outdoor LED lighting
- installing energy-efficient fridges, freezers, clothes dryers, window glazing, motors and more.
Helpful energy resources
Green loans
Businesses in Stonnington can access low-interest, long-term loans to fund improvements to the environmental performance of buildings through energy, water and waste upgrades.
Popular projects funded include rooftop solar systems, energy efficiency upgrades and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Environmental Upgrade Finance is a loan for building upgrade works, repaid quarterly via Council rates.
How does it work?
A lender provides the upfront capital for the works, which the business then repays through the Council rates system over up to 20 years. Council then remits it back to the lender.
Benefits for businesses
- Up to 100 per cent project finance
- Zero upfront capital, no additional security requirements with repayments collected through Council rates
- Competitive interest rates fixed for up to 10 years or more, with reduced re-financing risk
- Improved cash flow, with lower annual repayments offset by energy cost savings
- Option to share costs between owners and tenants, delivering a better asset for the owner, and a lower cost and improved working environment for tenants
Watch the video to learn more about how the program works.
What can be funded
Finance can be used for any project that improves the energy, water, environmental efficiency, or overall sustainability of an existing building, such as:
- green and cool roof installations
- solar systems, solar PV (photovoltaic) panels and battery solutions
- energy efficiency upgrades, like automated lighting controls and power factor correction
- heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
- waste management
- water efficiency and treatment systems
- electric vehicle charging stations.
If you have a project that isn't on the list, add yours at Sustainable Australia Fund.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants need to meet the following eligibility criteria as well as any credit criteria set by the lender:
- upgrade is to existing buildings located on rate-able land within the council boundaries
- the project delivers a measurable environmental benefit, such as energy, water or waste, or addresses other sustainability or climate issues
- the property must be non-residential (such as commercial or industrial)
- the business and property must be up-to-date on all rates and charges due to Council.
How to apply
Complete the online application form with the following details:
- the upgrade project and the business that is pursuing the project
- property ownership information and authorised signatories
- ABN or ACN if applicable
- information about mortgages, loans or leases that are secured against the property.
You will also need a copy of the following documents:
- project proposal from the contractor or installer
- Council rates notice
- property owner's ID.
Apply for a green loan
More information
For more information about Green Loans for Business, download the:
Or you can contact our Sustainability Environment team at environment@stonnington.vic.gov.au