Greater Shepparton - Environmental Upgrade Agreements Michael Carrafa – Economic Development – Team Leader Business & Industry Development

What is an EUA? An Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) is an agreement between a building owner, a bank and the building owner’s local council that facilitates a building upgrade to improve environmental performance. In other words: A finance lender provides a loan and the building owner/tenant pays it back through Council (Council rates).

Examples In Shepparton SCS Plastics: 300kw solar system Rokez Constructions: 60kw solar system The environmental benefits alone will be a saving of 416.1 tonnes of CO2 annually and 106.4 tonnes respectively. Saving of 416.1 tonnes of CO2 annually and 106.4 tonnes CO2 respectively. These projects will provide energy cost savings of over $70K per annum.

So why do businesses and property owners care? Competitive Interest Rates Extended repayment periods – This makes repayments more affordable and hopefully (at least) cost neutral with current energy (or water or waste) expenditure. Maybe even cost positive! Involve the tenant in paying off the loan when in reality they are paying their normal amount for energy (or water or waste). Significant cost savings! Increased value of property

Process Presentation from Sustainable Melbourne Fund to relevant Managers at Council. Presentation to Relevant Directors which included CEO and Finance Manager - Delivered by SMF. Presentation to Councillors and Exec Team (at Council Briefing) delivered by SMF. Standard process for Council endorsement. Exec, Council Briefing and Council Meeting. 1 2 3 4 5

Challenges and Opportunities Silo operating Hard for some to grapple with what ‘EUA’s’ are Getting people to reconsider energy, waste and water saving projects. Resources – Marketing and Communications, Rates team Opportunities Working together in clusters to promote EUA’s Working together to fine-tune the communication and marketing strategies to demonstrate the benefits of EUA’s.

Thank you for your time For more information: Phone: (03) 9658 8740 Email: info@sustainablemelbournefund.com.au Website: sustainablemelbournefund.com.au