Established as a platform for our business community, the inaugural Sustainable Business Awards are an opportunity for our business community to recognise and celebrate their achievements in a broad range of sustainability initiatives.
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We work on a variety of programs and partnerships which help businesses to reduce costs, along with their impact on the environment.
As part of our Climate and Ecological Emergency Response Plan, Kingston businesses have access to an energy advisor who can assist you with:
- Energy assessments
- Access to energy upgrade funding
- Advice on available government schemes
For more information, contact business@kingston.vic.gov.au, Zero Emissions Business Project Lead.
We have also developed a Sustainable Business Network, which provides a forum for businesses to explore sustainable initiatives and opportunities. To find out more, contact the Kingston Business team at business@kingston.vic.gov.au.
What is it?
Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) is a loan for building upgrades to make your business more sustainable. A lender provides the finance upfront, which you can repay via fixed quarterly payments through your council rates for up to 20 years. Upgrades can include:
- Renewable energy generation
- Energy or water efficiency
- Waste reduction
Watch the Environmental Upgrade Finance explainer video or visit Sustainability Victoria for more information.
What are the benefits?
By upgrading through the Environmental Upgrade Finance Program, businesses can benefit by:
- Reduced business operating costs
- Positive cash flow early on
- Security from volatile energy markets
Am I eligible?
The Environmental Upgrade Finance Program is suitable for businesses that:
- Own a non-residential building on rateable land in Kingston
- Can demonstrate the environmental benefits of your projects
- Have a good council rates payment history
How do I access the program?
If you are interested in the Environmental Upgrade Finance Program, contact our Zero Emissions Business Project Lead at Anthony.Thyriar@kingston.vic.gov.au.
What is it?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program helps businesses reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by providing access to discounted energy-efficient products. Eligible products can include:
- Hot water systems (electric and gas)
- Heating, cooling and lighting
- Refrigerated display cabinets (RDCs)
- Fridges, freezers and refrigeration/ventilation fans
- Pre-rinse spray valves (PRSV)
- Motors
- Glazing
Learn more about eligible products and the Victorian Energy Upgrade Program.
What are the benefits?
The Victorian Energy Upgrade Program can help you:
- Save money on upgrade costs
- Reduce your energy bill
- Help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Am I eligible?
All businesses can take part. However, you need to work with an accredited provider (a business approved to deliver upgrades under the program.)
How do I access the program?
After reviewing the eligible products, contact an accredited provider for more information.
What is it?
Solar for Business provides businesses with a rebate, plus the option of an interest-free loan to help with the costs of installing a rooftop solar system. Details include:
- Rebates are capped at 50% of the cost of a rooftop solar system (maximum rebate of $3,500)
- PV solar systems of 30kW or less are eligible for the rebate (one per business)
- Renters are eligible (must have landlord’s consent)
- Interest-free loans up to $5,000 may be paid back over a 12 or 24-month period
Watch the Solar for Business explainer video or visit Solar Victoria for more information.
What are the benefits?
The Solar for Business Program can help you:
- Reduce energy bills
- Reduce upfront cost of installation
Am I eligible?
All entity types, including charities and not-for-profit organisations, are eligible providing you:
- Are the owner of a business with less than 20 employees
- Operate from an individually metered non-residential property
- Have not received a Solar for Business rebate in the past
How do I access the program?
You can apply for the Solar for Business Program through Solar Victoria.
What is it?
ASPIRE is an online marketplace that allows businesses to trade their waste as a resource. Local businesses can upload their waste items and, with the click of a button, find another business wanting to exchange or purchase items that may have otherwise been sent to landfill.
Watch the ASPIRE video or visit ASPIRE for more information.
What are the benefits?
ASPIRE can help you:
- Reduce waste costs
- Reduce input resource costs
- Divert waste to landfill
- Access new business connections and collaboration opportunities
- Access information that supports sustainable business operations
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, your business must be in Kingston (or a participating Council).
How do I access the program?
You can register for an ASPIRE account directly through ASPIRE.