Yarra Ranges Council has partnered with the Sustainable Australia Fund to offer Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUA) to small and medium-sized local businesses.
These agreements aim to assist local businesses and commercial property owners in implementing sustainable practices across a wide range of workplaces.
Yarra Ranges Lyster Ward Councillor, Johanna Skelton, highlighted the potential opportunities that EUAs can bring to small to medium-sized businesses.
"Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUA) are a great option for businesses wanting to fund environmentally friendly upgrades, such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and heating and cooling systems, while saving money and reducing their environmental impact," she said.
"It is a straightforward process that can offer great benefits, and we already have some local businesses like Ramarro Farm in Monbulk, Four Pillars Gin and Aurrum Aged Care who have seen significant savings on their energy costs after installing solar panels."
Ramarro Farm in the Patch is known for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, and is committed to sustainable farming practices and reducing their environmental impact.
Owner, Oliver Shorthouse, said the installation of solar and a battery means that during power outages, they can continue running their refrigerator processing vegetables throughout the entire blackout period.
"I heard about the Enviornmental Upgrade Agreement through our local Councillor, Johanna Skelton, who recommended this as a great way to have an impact on a local scale."
"A representative talked us through the whole process and it was a seamless transition from the paperwork to the installation."
"We installed a solar system and battery through the Environmental upgrade agreement so that we could reduce our carbon footprint. The system kicks in if we ever get a power outage to enable us to continue our operations."
Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUA) enable building owners to access financing specifically dedicated to funding environmental building upgrades.
These financing options facilitate business owners' access to a range of environmental upgrades, including solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, improved heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment, as well as water conservation and wastewater management systems.
