City grants go to clean energy initiatives

THE City of Greater Geelong is funding a pilot program from 100% Clean Bellarine to help Ocean Grove businesses make the switch to renewable energy.

The city has allocated $50,000 through its inaugural round of Climate Change Partnerships grants to the green energy action group to conduct power assessments of about 50 commercial and industrial businesses.

Working with energy software company BOOM Power, the businesses will be provided with an audit report that outlines how they might install rooftop solar, switch from gas hot water, heating and cooling to more efficient electric options, upgrade equipment, and understand the environmental and economic benefits of the process.

“We all have a role to play in addressing the climate emergency and this pilot project will help businesses make the switch to renewables,” 100% Clean Bellarine’s Karen Weaver said.

“Every small business that switches to renewable energy helps reduce the greenhouse gas emissions profile across Greater Geelong.

“If successful, there’s potential for the program to be scaled up and applied to other industrial and commercial businesses across the municipality.”

The city allocated an extra $50,000 from the climate grant fund to the Geelong Sustainability Group for its community engagement program on all-electric, zero emission homes that is also educating households to increase the energy efficiency of their dwelling.

The group is working on a discount purchasing program to enable residents to connect with trusted local installers to upgrade their homes to become all-electric.

A further $10,000 Environmental Sustainability Capital Works grant has been awarded to groups to boost their community education programs.

“These grants show the city is working in partnership with the community towards urgent action on climate change,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Commercial buildings are a major contributor to the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s important we work with business owners to reduce their energy costs and their carbon emissions.”

Chair of the council’s climate change action portfolio Cr Belinda Moloney said the funded projects demonstrated practical steps for the switch to renewables and how to increase energy efficiency.

“In many cases, residents and business owners want to support the roll-out of renewable energy and environmentally-beneficial programs, they just need support and information to kickstart making the change.”