ESS

In July 2009 the NSW government launched ESS, as scheme that creates financial incentives to reduce electricity consumption and encourage energy saving activities. The scheme awards businesses that undertake projects designed to reduce their electricity consumption or improve their energy efficiencies. Participants of the scheme are provided with energy savings targets to meet and awarded accredited certificates when these are meet.

http://www.ess.nsw.gov.au/

Green Star

Green Star is as an environmental rating system that evaluates the design and construction of buildings in relation to the environment. There are nine different rating tools to guide building developments, and points are awarded for each level achieved. A project will be Green Star Certified if it achieves a score of 45 or above. Eleven percent of Australia’s CBD commercial buildings are currently Green Star certified.

http://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/green-star-overview/what-is-green-star/2139.htm

1200 Buildings

Regulations now require new office buildings to meet minimum sustainability standards and levels, however most existing buildings in Melbourne do not meet these requirements. To change this, 1200 existing commercial buildings will be installed with more efficient technologies and materials to reduce their greenhouse gases emissions. The program is currently in operation and aims to be complete by 2020.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/environment/Pages/1200buildings.aspx

The Green Building Fund

The Green Building Fund offers grants to reduce green house emissions from Australia’s commercial buildings. Very similar to 1200 Buildings (see above), existing buildings are retrofitted to improve their energy ratings and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The Fund is looking to expand its grants to shopping centres and hotels in the future.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/environment/Pages/1200buildings.aspx

NABERS

NABERS -The National Australian Built Environment Rating System, is a performance-based rating system applicable to existing commercial and residential buildings. NABERS measures a building’s environmental impacts such as energy, water and waste. NABERS assessors educate building owners or occupants ways to manage or reduce their environmental impacts. NABERS ratings are publicly available and included on property signs when leased or up for sale.

www.nabers.com.au

National Solar Schools Program

The National Solar Schools Program offers Australian schools a head start in tackling climate change by implementing various conservation practices. Grants are available to both primary and secondary schools to install various energy efficient practices and technologies, such as solar power systems and rainwater tanks. The program also informs students about climate change and increases their awareness of sustainable living practices.

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/programs-and-rebates/national-solar-schools.aspx

VEET

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme (VEET) is an energy saving incentive that applies to energy retailers. Energy retailers can be VEET certified if they provide energy saving products and services that are suitable for households. The scheme is designed to help families purchase energy efficient products, which will decrease their power bills as well as reducing their greenhouse emissions. VEET’s primary goal is to reduce residential greenhouse emissions by 60% before 2050.

http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/public/VEET/

National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE)

The National Framework for Energy Efficiency ensures the Australian market is receiving its full economic potential of energy efficiency. The NFEE has two stages; the first consists of nine policy packages that focus on extending or developing current energy efficiency measures. The second package focuses on new energy efficiency measures, including MEPS and Halogen Phase Out (see below).

http://www.ret.gov.au/Documents/mce/energy-eff/nfee/default.html

Halogen Phase Out

The Australian Government is gradually phasing out all inefficient sources of light and replacing them with energy efficient types, such as LEDs and CFLs. To achieve this, the government has introduced minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for all lighting products and placed a restriction on imports of incandescent lights. The Halogen Phase Out will deliver considerable savings to the environment and the economy as well as reducing green house gas emissions. As a result, energy efficient types of lighting will be made more available and encouraged in a mass market.

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/en/what-you-need-to-know/lighting.aspx

MEPS

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are included on products so consumers can recognize energy efficient products. Since implemented in 1999, MEPS has increased energy efficiency ratings across a range of appliances and equipment. Products manufactured in Australia or imported here must meet Australian MEPS or face execution from the market.

Sustainable Melbourne Fund

The Sustainable Melbourne Fund invests in sustainable projects that will enhance Melbourne’s environment and deliver economic benefits to Melbourne citizens. Established in 2004, the fund focuses in projects relating to water, energy and waste, as well as business ventures and new technologies. Drapac and Waterless Woks are two successful projects the fund has invested in. Melbourne organisations and businesses that have ideas for sustainability projects are encouraged to apply.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/environment/Pages/SustainableMelbourneFund.aspx

Sustainability Fund

The Sustainability Fund invests in a variety of projects relating to green innovation, green practices and methods of increasing sustainable behaviours. The fund currently supports eco-living education centres, waste management technologies and an ABC television series. Since it’s creation in 2005, the diverse array of projects has helped drive innovation and increase Australian awareness of environmental issues and solutions.

http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/2418-about-the-sustainability-fund.asp?intSiteID=4