Sustainable business

“What if… ? Wednesday” Business workshop for resilience and preparedness

Wednesday 8 May, 5.30pm to 7pm

Join this workshop for businesses to learn more about preparing your small business for disaster.

• Have you been affected by storms, power and telecommunication outages?
• Have you ever had a cyber-attack or data breach?
• Do you want to do better business in the good times, and survive the hard times?

If you said yes to any of the above — then this workshop is for you!

You’ll learn about how to protect your operations through challenging periods, the fundamentals of surviving disasters like dealing with cyber-security threats and insurance companies after disaster hits, and how to grow your revenue streams and business connections.

Business Renewables Buying Group

We're joining together with councils across Victoria to assist businesses to purchase renewable energy and cut their emissions.

The Business Renewable Buying Group is open to businesses across Victoria consuming over 500mWh per annum of electricity (spending ~$100,000 per annum).

The Group is designed to bring together a group of like-minded businesses seeking to switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity. It does this through pooling electricity demands and conducting a joint procurement and negotiation process.

With the support of an external facilitator, the group work collectively to scale up their buying power whilst cutting complexity, time, and costs associated with going 100 per cent renewable.  

Through the Business Renewables Buying Group we are striving to build and refine this model and create a repeatable and scalable group purchasing method to support more businesses to join a renewable future.  

Eligibility

This project is supported by Glen Eira City Council as is available to all Victorian business who qualify for the large electricity market.

Benefits to join the Business Renewables Buying Group

• Is a cost-effective way to deliver on your businesses strategic goals and reduce your emissions.
• Provides long-term, stable pricing which reduces exposure to energy market volatility and support budget certainty.
• Prevents the need for repeated internal procurement processes throughout the duration of a power purchase agreement contract.
• Is an opportunity to directly support the renewable energy industry.
• Reduced project costs and staff time by spreading the workload across the Group.
• Ability to work with other businesses who are going through similar decisions to compare considerations and support each other.

If you are interested and would like to talk to an expert, email sustainablebuisness@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Sustainable Business Profiles

Our sustainable business ambassadors. These local businesses have acted to reduce their environmental impact. Be inspired by their actions and achievements and read more below. 

• The Knight ― Becoming carbon neutral
• Oasis Murrumbeena — Innovative and sustainable solutions
• Mr Burch — Plastic-free for good
• Chevra Honey — Encouraging bee-friendly practices

Business Energy Audit Program

We are offering 10 Glen Eira business free energy audits under the Business Energy Audit Program.  

Undertaking an energy audit can help to you to understand your business’ energy consumption and identify areas for potential savings which can lead to reduced energy use, improved productivity and innovation.

The audit will be conducted by an energy expert who will provide you with a detailed report that will outline your business’ energy usage provide insights to enable you to make changes, if necessary, to help you save money reduce your energy use.

This program commences in November 2023 and spots are allocated on first come, first serve basis.

To find out more and apply, email sustainablebusiness@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Solar Savers

Solar Savers is a local government initiative helping households and businesses to install quality and affordable rooftop solar.

By installing rooftop solar through Solar Savers, residents and businesses in participating Councils can reduce energy bills and future-proof against increasing energy costs, while supporting a transition to clean, renewable energy.

Solar Savers will also help you access government rebates and loans to help with the upfront costs of solar.

To find out more visit our Solar for businesses page.

Business Energy Savers 

Glen Eira businesses can register with Energy Savers to receive free advice about how to become more energy efficient and take advantage of the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrade initiative. 

Energy Savers also connect business owners with a selected panel of accredited and trustworthy suppliers who can take care of the upgrades and required paperwork to access the subsidies. 

Watch the case study on Ferrari Pizza, who upgraded to energy efficient appliances thanks to Energy Savers. 

Environmental Upgrade Finance

Businesses in Glen Eira have access to affordable capital for environmental upgrade projects, such as solar, energy efficiency, improve building insulation, water treatment, waste and more through the Environmental Upgrade Finance program.

​Victorian Energy Compare

The Victorian Government's Energy Compare tool is a free independent energy price comparison tool that will help your business get the best electricity and gas offer. Use the GreenPower filter on the website to access 100% renewable energy.

To check your savings, visit the Energy Compare website.

Victorian Energy Upgrade

This Victorian Government program is providing businesses with access to discounted energy-saving products and upgrades through accredited providers.

To check subsidised upgrade opportunities, visit the Victorian Energy Upgrades program website.

Circular economy for businesses

The materials you use in your business could be used more efficiently to reduce waste. Find out more about how your business can transition to a circular economy and the initiatives coming into effect, including a ban on single-use plastics at Circular Economy for Businesses and an online waste marketplace, ASPIRE.

Business efficiency and sustainability check

This efficiency and sustainability health check helps you reduce energy bills and waste, making your business more resilient and sustainable. If you would like to take up this offer, email us at sustainablebusiness@gleneira.vic.gov.au to request a check.

More useful websites

City Switch
Helps office-based businesses to improve their energy and waste efficiency and provides advice, free resources and case studies.

Climate Active
Supports and guides businesses as they account for and reduce carbon emissions. Includes information about becoming carbon neutral.

Plug In
Provides practical information about how to buy, install and use new energy technologies.

Resources

You might want to tap into some of these resources from other sustainability groups, programs, and organisations.

• Sustainability Victoria/business
• Sustainable Salons
• Planet Ark
• Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre
• Sustainable Business Profile — The Knight

If you would like any further information on any of the resources and programs listed above, email sustainablebusiness@gleneira.vic.gov.au