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This article was published on Wednesday, 23 August, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton City Council stepping up to help businesses save big on energy

An Environmental Upgrade Agreement is an agreement with the business, the bank and council. Repayments are paid via council rates over a period of time to assist businesses over the long term.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development Johann Rajaratnam said “Sustainable Melbourne Fund recently announced an expansion to their partnership with Australian Renewable Energy Agency. This will help Council to provide services to businesses and improve their access to environmental products to improve and save businesses money over the long term. Upgrades may include building upgrades to improve energy, water or waste efficiency, or increase renewable energy and may include solar panels, LED lighting, chiller upgrade, motion sensors, double glazing and weather proofing” said Mr Rajaratnam.

CEO of Sustainable Melbourne Fund, Scott Bocskay said “our original partnership was met with strong uptake. The expansion of this program will enable nearly 50 per cent of all local governments within Victoria to offer Environmental Upgrade Finance cheaply and efficiently to their communities.”

“Opening up this marketplace creates greater investment opportunities for renewable energy projects across the state. These investments deliver value to local communities by reducing business operating costs, whilst creating a cleaner energy future.”

“Whether your business is a farm or a factory, Environmental Upgrade Finance will become available to your business as a tool to help boost productivity. This directly grows business profits, reduces power bills and delivers capital growth. As a result, it increases businesses’ economic resilience and improves energy productivity across the state” said Mr Bocskay.

For more information on how businesses can participate visit http://greatershepparton.com.au/business/sustainable-business