Resources
Find out about rebates, grants and other funding options that will help your business reduce costs, CO2 emissions, and improve your environmental sustainability, circularity and grow your customer base. Our Greening our Business tool will help you tap into the ones most relevant to you.
There are a number of state, federal and local government programs that can help you implement your Greening our Business Action Plan, save money, CO2 emissions and waste. Some of these programs also offer funding support. Follow the below links for your local council:
Rebates
Federal Government STCs, Victorian Energy Upgrade VEECs and Solar Victoria offer rebates for energy efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades that deliver greenhouse savings.
To make your dollars go further and maximise your impact plan your upgrades. Our Greening our Business tool will help you do this.
Often mid-range or high-end energy efficiency products will attract a greater rebate and perform better, be more reliable and last longer than a cheaper alternative. They will also reduce your running costs and are often worth the higher upfront investment.
The Greening our Business program will guide you towards actions that will make the biggest difference to your business, helping you identify the best opportunities to invest in.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program (VEU) is a state government program that is designed to reduce costs for a range of energy-efficiency upgrades. There are categories that only apply to residential properties, those that only apply to commercial properties and some that apply to both. The rebates are calculated on the estimated amount of greenhouse gas savings from the upgrade, so the more energy saving the greater the rebate.
The rebates are processed by Accredited Providers, private companies who have registered with the VEU program. They may perform the upgrade installation themselves or they may work with an installer, who provides them with the evidence required to claim the rebate.
Because it is a market-based program the quality of products and installation can vary, the same as if you are purchasing the products outside of the VEU program. It is recommended to shop around to compare products and installers to find the best value for money, which, as always, rarely means the cheapest.
Some Councils offer programs that connect you with trusted installers who have been checked and approved for quality and customer service.
Solar Victoria
Solar Vic rebates only apply to residential and home based business upgrades for solar power systems, batteries and hot water systems.
Progressive businesses are encouraging their staff to take advantage of this rebate. If you are wanting to reduce your scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions you will need to look at emissions generated from staff working from home. Plus, it’s always good to reduce your personal impacts as well as those of your business.
Grants
Grants are usually a once-off payment for a specific project that is only open for a limited amount of time.
For these funding streams we suggest that you:
- sign up to the program funding emails and newsletters (via the links below) so you know when funding opens and ends
- have your upgrade project clearly planned and ready to go (your tailored Greening your Business Action Plan will help with this)
- have sourced at least one quote, so you are ready to submit your application.
- Federal Government grants page
- State (Victorian) Government grants page
- Sustainability Victoria grants and funding page
- The Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre (CEBIC)
- Hume City Council Business Grants
Funding and finance
Tax incentives
Talk to your accountant or financial adviser about what current tax incentives apply to areas such as energy efficiency upgrades or asset write-offs.
Finance options
You don’t necessarily need to pay for an upgrade out of your cash reserves. There are several ways of financing upgrades that have their advantages and disadvantages.
Some banks or other financial institutions offer lower interest rates or better conditions for environmental upgrades or green loans.
If you plan the upgrade well you should be able to make your finance repayments less than the savings on your energy bills, meaning you are cash-flow positive. Once you have paid off the finance then the savings are pure profit.
The return on investment of many upgrades is very good, so investing the money can be a sound financial decision, in addition to the environmental benefits.
Below is a list of key organisations who have resources and information to support you taking action to reduce costs, emissions, waste and become more circular.
Solar Vic Information
Solar Vic is the Victorian Government agency that offers solar power, batteries and hot water rebates. While their current rebates are only for residential use, they also have some great buyers guides and other general information on solar power systems, batteries and hot water systems.
Renew
Renew is a national, not-for-profit organisation that inspires, enables and advocates for people to live sustainably in their homes and communities. They have many resources available on their website and a website with lots of information on how to get your home off gas. The resources available there can also be relevant to business electrification.
I started my business to make money, but as we’ve gone along we’ve found ways that we can do things that are more sustainable that cut down on waste and also save my business money.
Joanne Schoof
Owner of A Little Light