The federal government has announced the launch of a $90 million Green Building Fund to help reduce greenhouse emissions from commercial office buildings.
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said the program will aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the day-to-day running of commercial office buildings.
“These buildings are a major contributor to the nation's emissions, making this a critical initiative", Senator Carr said.
"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.
"Clean Business Australia is all about the Rudd Government working with business to tackle the challenge of climate change.
Senator Carr said the program would provide grants to owners of existing commercial office buildings for retro-fitting and retro-commissioning projects that reduced energy consumption and emissions.
He said it offered dollar-for-dollar support, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
Eligible projects may 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, the government said.
"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 said.
"Grants are also available to develop the knowledge, skills or capability of those involved in operating commercial office buildings, to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
“Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to relevant industry organisations, on a dollar-for-dollar basis."
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.
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