Brimbank City Council in Victoria is taking part in an innovative funding model to allow local companies to undertake environmental building upgrades.
Council is participating in the Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) program, which provides businesses an opportunity to cut energy and water costs, and replace their old and inefficient equipment with newer more efficient technologies through environmental agreements.
Launched in March 2017, the EUA program offers local businesses an opportunity to access funding for environmental upgrades such as energy efficient lighting, solar energy, double-glazing, water efficiency and waste minimisation made possible through environmental agreements.
Council announced the first recipient of the innovative funding model, local specialist food company, Langdon Ingredients, located in Derrimut Victoria.
Brimbank City Council, Langdon Ingredients and Sustainable Melbourne Fund signed the first environmental agreement in November 2017 for a 430 kW solar system.
Mayor of Brimbank Margaret Giudice said Council is very pleased to sign the first environmental agreement.
“Council is actively working to assist its community, including businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce their utility expenses and to improve energy security,” Mayor Giudice said.
Langdon Ingredients’ Head of Group Finance Amanda Brennan said the project would help the company reduce overheads and meet its internal environmental policies.
“This project will well and truly sustain our business as we continue our growth into the future.”
The initiative provides access to cost effective loans administered through the Council rate system.
This removes the need for upfront capital, whilst competitive interest rates and low-cost financing make these arrangements a cost effective way to reduce the risks associated with rising energy costs.
Brimbank City Council undertakes the initiative in partnership with the Sustainable Melbourne Fund.
Sustainable Melbourne Fund is a third party administrator for all councils offering environment upgrade agreements, and they are responsible for approving suppliers for the project and administering the agreements.
The initiative recognises that commercial and industrial uses are some of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
The agreements have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the commercial and industrial sector by a significant 215,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
