The Rudd Labor Government today delivered on its commitment of $90 million for the Green Building Fund as part of the Clean Business Australia initiative.
The Green Building Fund will offer assistance for energy-efficient retro-fitting of existing buildings and support for training initiatives to improve the skills of building operators.
The Fund will help Australian businesses implement cost-saving energy-efficiency measures by subsidising 50 per cent of the cost, through offset payments for energy efficiency aspects of retro-fitting and retro-commissioning existing commercial office buildings. Commonwealth funding per building will be up to a maximum of $200,000, with priority given to large buildings of more than 5,000 square metres.
The program will also help industry associations and other non-government organisations enhance building operator training and develop energy-efficient operating and maintenance advisory guides.
This approach will provide incentives to building owners to include improved energy efficiency in retro-fitting of their buildings. It will also provide training and support for building operators to help ensure these buildings operate as efficiently as possible.
Final details of the program will be developed in consultations with stakeholders.
The Green Building Fund is part of the Clean Business Australia initiative – a $240 million partnership between Government and industry to deliver energy-and-water efficient projects with a focus on productivity and innovation. Other programs under Clean Business Australia are the:
- Climate Ready; and
- Re-tooling for Climate Change.
More information on this program can be found at www.ausindustry.gov.au
Media contact: Catriona Jackson, Minister's Office, 0417 142 238