LOCAL businesses have the opportunity to learn more about how to make themselves more sustainable at an upcoming networking event in Swan Hill.
Swan Hill Rural City has partnered with Better Building Finance (BBF) to enable Environmental Upgrade Finance to be offered to local businesses.
BBF helps councils to reduce community CO2 emissions, increase investment in renewables, stimulate economic activity and business profitability, keep the benefits within the municipality and unlock government grants and rebates.
Across more than 100 projects, BBF has helped councils reduce the carbon footprint of local businesses by 500,000 tonnes of CO2, saving them more than $100 million in operating costs.
The aim of the free business networking event, which will be held at the Swan Hill Club on May 17, is to encourage businesses to learn more about how they can improve their profitability and sustainability, and what supports are available to them.
Acting director for planning and development Kate Jewell believes the event will be a great opportunity for local businesses to hear from the experts.
“Environmental Upgrade Finance is a state government enabled program for upgrading existing buildings to be more environmentally friendly, improve their overall sustainability, and address climate change issues,” Ms Jewell said.
“Council has joined over 73 existing councils in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, supporting their local business community to become more environmentally sustainable.”
Local businesses have the opportunity to take out long-term loans for works that can then be repaid quarterly alongside their council rates, accessing favourable and affordable finance terms while their property provides the loan security.
Ms Jewell believes Environmental Upgrade Finance is a unique opportunity for businesses to access great finance and improve the sustainability of their businesses.
“This opportunity is certainly one that is worth looking into,” she said. “Some examples of works that can be undertaken include the installation of solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, water efficiency initiatives, replacing lighting and more.
“Businesses can apply for commercial buildings on rateable land, as long as their upgrade has a positive environmental benefit.
“Landlords can also use this finance to make upgrades and share repayments with tenants – the building improves in quality and efficiency, while the tenant may see a reduction in overheads.”
The free business networking event will be held on Wednesday, May 17, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Swan Hill Club. For more information on eligible businesses or to reserve your spot, scan the QR code or visit https://tinyurl.com/BBFinfosession.
