SENATOR Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, last week launched the Australian Government’s $90 million Green Building Fund.
According to Senator Carr, the program aims to reduce the green house gas emissions from the day-to-day running of commercial office buildings.
“The Green Building Fund is the third and final part of the Australian Government’s $240 million Clean Business Australia initiative, announced in the Budget,” Senator Carr said.
“The program will provide grants to owners of existing commercial office buildings for retro-fitting and retro-commissioning projects that reduce energy consumption and emissions. It offers dollar-for-dollar support, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
“Eligible projects can include upgrades to office lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Improved glazing and shading, or investment in monitoring equipment and control systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency may also be covered.
“I’m especially keen to encourage projects that involve small, lower grade buildings, where there is real scope for improvement. The program has been designed to support this.”
Senator Carr also said grants of up to $200,000 will be available to relevant industry organisations, on a dollar-for-dollar basis in order to help eligible businesses develop the knowledge, skills or capabilities.
Clean Business Australia has two other elements. Climate Ready supports the development of technologies and services that provide climate change solutions. Re-tooling for Climate Change helps small and medium-sized manufacturers improve the energy and water efficiency of their production process.
For further information on the Green Building Fund program visit AusIndustry’s website, call the AusIndustry hotline 13 28 46 or email the hotline at hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.