Energy Assessment Grants from Sustainability Victoria’s $6.1m Boosting Business Productivity program have been simplified for businesses spending between $20,000 and $50,000 a year on energy.
They can now get up to $2000 to engage expert advice on reducing energy costs without having to match the State Government’s contribution.
The program also offers a $3000 Implementation Bonus when they put recommended energy efficiency actions into effect.
Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan, said making the grants more accessible would help more businesses cut costs and increase energy efficiency.
“Energy efficiency is a key to unlocking the productivity of Victorian businesses, and make them more competitive,” Krpan said.
Companies spending more than $50,000 a year are eligible to receive a detailed energy assessment.
“For businesses getting detailed energy assessments (co-funded by government up to $15,000), the Implementation Bonus rises from $3000 to $5000 so they can unlock greater savings.”
Krpan said Materials Efficiency Grants of up to $13,000 were also available to help businesses make more efficient use of materials, while Gas Efficiency Grants of up to $50,000 could help upgrade equipment that delivered gas savings.
Grants for energy efficiency assessments and upgrades have already been awarded to 70 Victorian businesses ranging from meat processors to wineries and manufacturers of confectionary and chemicals.
The Boosting Business Productivity program also has a sustainable finance service, training events and information resources.