The Victorian Government is helping businesses, including some of the state’s largest employers, take up smart technologies to reduce emissions, cut energy costs and keep more Victorians in work.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced $31 million through the Business Recovery Energy Efficiency Fund to help 110 businesses across manufacturing, supermarkets, agriculture, health, and retail to reduce energy costs, slash emissions and support 500 jobs.

The energy efficiency funding will also benefit small to medium businesses as it supports hundreds of new jobs as electricians, technicians and labourers carry out these upgrades. The program will also give businesses the support they need to make long-term investments in their business by installing new technologies to slash costs.

The funding will go to businesses across Victoria, including food businesses such as Bega Cheese and Inghams Enterprises, Viva refinery in Geelong and local manufactures such as Furphy’s Foundry in Shepparton.

Melbourne Airport is receiving funding to replace 3,800 energy inefficient light fittings in their multi story short term and long term car parks with more efficient LED fittings – slashing emissions and reducing wasted energy.

Additionally, ahead of the Government’s ban on single use plastics in 2023, Melbourne Airport today  announced they will be ban single-use plastic by the end of 2021 – including straws, plastic cutlery, plates and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers from all front of house hospitality venues and lounges.

The Government’s Victoria-wide ban will apply to cafes, restaurants and organisations by 2023. The Government will lead by example by phasing out single-use plastic items from its departments and agencies by February 2022.

The Business Recovery Energy Efficiency Fund will provide $24 million for capital works to help 67 businesses install energy saving equipment and technology – from upgrades to heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, and highly efficient hot water heaters.

The program also provide $7 million to help 43 businesses to undertake energy audits and install demand management systems that will improve the efficiency of existing infrastructure. In total, the Fund will save Victorian businesses up to $17 million per year in energy costs.

Last year’s Budget invested $1.6 billion in clean energy – the largest investment of any state government, ever.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We are supporting some of Victoria’s biggest employers – from the Airport to our major supermarket chains – to be more energy efficient while also saving money on their bills.”

“This package will support around 500 jobs, as electricians and technicians work to deliver these upgrades in businesses across Victoria.”

“Single-use plastic items – like straws and plastic cups – make up about one third of Victoria’s litter. Congratulations to Melbourne Airport for their leadership on this issue, and I encourage others to do the same.”