In a bid to assist large corporations to reduce their carbon footprint, the government will offer dollar-for-dollar grants up to $500,000 to existing office buildings for projects that reduce energy emissions.
The program, initiated by the minister for innovation, industry, science and research, Senator Kim Carr, called the Green Building Fund, will cost the government in the order of $90 million.
“The program aims to reduce the green house gas emissions from the day-to-day running of commercial office buildings. These buildings are a major contributor to the nation’s emissions, making this a critical initiative”, Carr said in an official statement to the press.
The Green Building Fund is the third of a three-part, $240 million government plan called Clean Business Australia, which was announced in the Budget.
“Clean Business Australia is all about the Rudd Government working with business to tackle the challenge of climate change,” said Carr.
The program will provide grants to owners of existing commercial office buildings for retro-fitting and retro-commissioning projects that reduce energy consumption and emissions. Grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
“Eligible projects can include upgrades to office lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Improved glazing and shading, or investment in monitoring equipment and control systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency may also be covered,” said Carr.
“I’m especially keen to encourage projects that involve small, lower grade buildings, where there is real scope for improvement. The program has been designed to support this.”
For further information on the Green Building Fund call the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46 or email the hotline at hotline@ausindustry.gov.au