City of Sydney offering $1000 initiative for saving energy

The City of Sydney will pilot a program offering $1000 grants to Sydney-based small and medium sized businesses committing to their green CitySwitch program.

The CitySwitch program focuses on increasing energy efficiency in office spaces by reducing electricity output and greenhouse gas emissions.

The program set to commence this financial year is part of Sydney’s sustainable 2030 plan. Office tenants will have their energy use measured according to the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) on a scale of one to five, with five stars demonstrating the best practice.

Chief executive of the City of Sydney, Monica Barone said the CitySwitch program can help organisations save money by improving their daily energy consumption.

Greens representative of the City of Sydney Council Chris Harris said: “The major inhibiting factor is the cost of entering into the program.”

Industry sources have indicated that costs range between $1500 and $5000.

“Small businesses may find the initial costs daunting,” said Mr Harris.

Currently, 14 per cent of commercial businesses have signed up to CitySwitch and this grant program aims to attract a further 6 per cent to reach 2012 targets.

“We should support the businesses’ interest and celebrate their achievements to keep them in the program,” said Ms Barone.

While commercial office tenants are being encouraged to work towards an ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of 70 per cent from 2006 levels by 2030, the City of Sydney is now retrofitting its own properties to be NABERS assessed.

“As buildings produce nearly a quarter of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that we retrofit our buildings so they use less energy and water and produce less waste,” said Ms Barone.

One building is Town Hall House, which has been using smart technology to operate carbon dioxide clearing fans in the underground car park as well as the installation of energy efficient lighting.

Ms Barone said in ensuring their property is in order, the City is setting an example against climate change.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our buildings will ensure that Sydney slashes its carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030.”

By Kristie Beattie