Council reaches Environmental Upgrade Agreement milestone

solar panel 2.jpg

Mildura Rural City Council is leading the way with its Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) program.

Within the last 12 months, Council has achieved over 200kW of solar, with systems being installed on both commercial and agricultural properties.

oeDigital recently installed a 32.8kW solar system under the EUA program that will help reduce the local business’s electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

This EUA is the sixth in the municipality with Mildura Rural City Council becoming one of the main regional hubs to adopt the program.

Portfolio Councillor for Environment and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said many projects could qualify as EUAs, including lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades, solar installations and water and waste minimisation.

“EUAs are a great way of delivering environmental benefits such as energy, water and waste savings,” Cr Cirillo said.

“Reaching more than 200kW of solar in our local government area shows that Mildura businesses are environmental leaders within Victoria.”

oeDigital – formerly Office Everything – owners Simone and Ivan Janssen said they were delighted with their new solar installation.

“Going from the initial idea to installation was a very quick and simple process. The funding application and associated agreement to pay for the solar system through our rates was pushed along by the Sustainable Australia Fund with minimal input from ourselves,” Mr Janssen said.

“A few months later the project has been completed by Mildura Solar and we are enjoying the benefits of lower cost electricity whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”

Business Development Manager from the Sustainable Australia Fund James Wark said EUAs were now even more accessible for businesses across regional Australia, due to the company’s recent expansion.

“The Sustainable Australia Fund now has a $200 million funding facility available to help businesses upgrade their buildings and unlock savings and sustainability,” Mr Wark said.

To be eligible for the EUA program, building owners must pay Council rates and ensure that the planned works are improvements to non-residential buildings.

/Public Release. View in full here.