Blinds boost for BCH

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) has taken a simple step to reduce its carbon footprint made possible by a federal government grant aimed at assisting local organisations cut energy costs.

A $15,000 grant from the federal government’s Energy Efficiency Grant program has allowed BCH to install block-out blinds at two of its locations.

“This grant will allow us to install almost 70 block out blinds which will substantially reduce the radiant heat entering our buildings,” BCH chief executive officer Kathy Russell said.

“Given that windows are a large source of heat during summer, the block out blinds will reduce the heating load inside these buildings and the energy costs associated with cooling.”

BCH Drysdale and BCH Point Lonsdale were both renovated in 2014 and 2019, however, the renovations excluded blinds at the time.

With a large number of west and worth-westerly facing windows, the use of block-out blinds has been a desired addition to the sites for more than five years.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, who visited the buildings where the blinds will be installed as part of the grant allocation, said the grant would support energy savings.

“Costs are rising and it’s hard to make energy savings, so we’re thrilled to be able to support Bellarine Community Health to invest in new blinds that help reduce energy use and support the comfort and wellbeing of the staff who work in those areas.”

The reduction in energy consumption achieved from the installation of these blinds will reduce BCH’s carbon emissions and improve comfort and amenity for staff, particular of hotter days.

Continuing to reduce its carbon footprint falls under BCH’s Environmental Sustainability Implementation Plan and is helping the organisation towards its mission of achieving year on year reduction in carbon emissions.

The new blinds will be installed within the next few weeks.