Save through reduction in energy use

The fewer resources  you use, the more money you can save. Most of your savings will come from finding ways to reduce:

• your water usage
• your energy usage – includes electricity, gas and fuel, which means cutting carbon dioxide and greenhouse emissions
• your waste – which means recycling and using less materials

You can achieve sustainability by looking at all aspects of your business – but if you're time poor, a good start is to focus on just one or two aspects of your business.

Improve the operation and maintenance of refrigeration and cooling equipment

Refrigeration and cooling equipment can use a lot of energy and, if not properly maintained, may leak refrigerants. These are potent greenhouse gases that damage the environment.

Optimising the operation and maintenance of refrigeration and cooling equipment will reduce leakage of refrigerant gases and help you save on energy costs.

For more information see our guide on how to Optimise performance of your commercial refrigeration and cooling equipment (PDF 3349.37 KB) .

Sign up for the Energy Saver Incentive

Energy Saver Incentive is a Victorian Government initiative making energy efficiency more affordable and contributing to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Businesses selling or installing selected products and services that help households and selected businesses use less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions may be eligible to receive financial incentives.

The scheme operates by placing an obligation on liable energy retailers in Victoria to surrender a specified number of energy efficiency certificates every year.

Each certificate represents a tonne of greenhouse gas abated. Revenue generated by accredited businesses through the sale of these certificates to liable parties enables accredited businesses to offer discounts and special offers on selected energy saving products and appliances installed at homes, businesses or other non-residential premises.

The bigger the greenhouse gas reduction, the more your business can save.

Explore the list of energy saving activities currently available under the scheme.

Build or renovate using eco-smart building design and materials

Architects, builders and some trades, such as painters offer specialist 'green' services and materials. Something as simple as an exterior paint with a thermal paint additive can cut 40% of the sun's heat, reducing your need to run expensive air conditioners.

For more information visit our page on environmentally friendly building.

Replace your energy supply with accredited renewable 'green' energy

Accredited renewable 'green' energy can include solar or wind power you buy from your energy retailer.

Eligible businesses buying small renewable energy generators, such as solar, hydro or wind systems, will receive renewable energy certificates (RECs). The initiative is run by the federal government clean energy regulator, and the credits in the certificates can be used to cut the cost of installing the system.

Visit the Clean Energy Regulator website to find out more.

Design products with their entire life cycle in mind

'Eco-design' and 'life cycle design' considers all the raw materials and energy used to manufacture, distribute and use a product to the end of its life.

Sustainability Victoria offers useful resources on life cycle management.