Mayor Adrian Weston said by signing up to an Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) businesses would be able to benefit from cost effective lending to improve the environmental sustainability of their business, reducing operating costs.
‘‘The funds, offered by the Sustainable Australia Fund, are secured by an agreement between the building owner, financier and council,’’ Cr Weston said.
‘‘The agreement allows property owners to access finance for energy, water and waste efficiency projects that reduce environmental impacts.’’
Many commercial tenants are unable to make changes to the building they lease, EUAs now make this possible.
The EUA offers 100 per cent project finance with competitive interest rates and long-term finance options.
‘‘This is just a snapshot of businesses who have signed up to an EUA and the benefits of the project to their business,’’ Cr Weston said.
Council adopted the EUA program in February this year.
‘‘Agreements and processes have now been finalised and we are ready to support businesses in securing access to the finance,’’ Cr Weston said.
‘‘A number of businesses have already expressed interest in the program with projects totalling an estimated $2 million.’’
Details are available on council’s website.