New environmentally friendly option to upgrade commercial buildings

Published on 22 January 2018

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Building owners in Mildura can now make improvements to their buildings, save money and help the environment all at the same time thanks to the introduction of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUA).

Any building used primarily for non-residential purposes can utilise EUAs.

EUAs are similar to traditional finance agreements where a building owner will take a loan from a bank, however in this case they’re able to make repayments through their Council rates. Competitive interest rates and long term finance options are available. This reduces the re-financing risk and allows building owners to plan with more certainty.

EUAs can fund any improvements to a building that improve energy, water or waste efficiency, or increase renewable energy.

Councillor for Environmental and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said EUAs will be delivered in Sunraysia through a partnership between Council and Sustainable Melbourne Fund, which provides third party administration services for EUA programs.

“These agreements can provide building owners with an incentive to improve their building’s performance and reduce operational costs, with the added bonus of improved environmental outcomes,” Cr Cirillo said.

“Examples of projects that could qualify include lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades (HVAC), solar installation, recycling and waste minimisation.”

To be eligible for an EUA, building owners must pay Council rates, ensure planned works are retro-fit projects on non-residential buildings, and deliver environmental benefits, such as energy, waste and water savings.

Find out more about Environmental Upgrade Agreements and how they work by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Sustainability/Environmental-Upgrade-Agreements

For more information contact Council’s Environmental Sustainability Project Officer on (03) 5018 8100.

 

Media enquiries 
Rhonda Monaghan
p) (03) 5018 8159 
e) rhonda.monaghan@mildura.vic.gov.au

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