Sustainability for businesses
As a business, you can play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the impacts of climate change. Sustainable business practices are not only good for the environment they can also reduce operating costs, enhance your reputation and improve the conditions of your premises. There are a range of programs Council is supporting to assist you to run a more sustainable business.
Business Renewables Buying Group
Are you a medium to large business looking to switch to 100% renewable energy? City of Port Phillip has joined over 30 Councils to support a Business Renewables Buying Group. We’re looking for businesses wanting to cut their greenhouse emissions through their collective purchasing power.
The Business Renewables Buying Group has engaged an energy market specialist to work through the best deal for large business electricity users. To find out more about joining this group visit Business Renewables Buying Group.
Energy Upgrade Finance
In the City of Port Phillip, there is a way to fund your sustainable business improvements through Environmental Upgrade Finance. This is where a building owner borrows money for an environmental upgrade and payments are made through your local council rates. Savings from improvements can often be positive for your cashflow. For more information visit Environmental Upgrade Finance for business.
The Victorian Government offers discounts to businesses on a range of energy-efficient products such as fridges, split systems, clothes dryers, lighting, hot water, window glazing, fans, motors and televisions. For details, visit Victorian Energy Upgrades for businesses. For other tips on reducing energy costs visit energy.vic.gov.au.
CitySwitch
CitySwitch Green Office is a free program, supported by City of Port Phillip that helps commercial office tenants to reduce their environmental footprint.
The CitySwitch program provides resources and services including tools, self-assessment templates, free advice and walk-through audits, access to funding, no-cost workshops and networking events, annual awards and industry research. To find out more visit CitySwitch
Free business advisory service
We offer organisations in Port Phillip sustainability vision workshops facilitated by experienced sustainability professionals. These workshops support business to develop the vision to allow for clear goals, structure, resources, training and reporting to be developed. Find out more about Sustainability Vision Workshops
More information
- Green energy providers: Victorian Energy Compare – compare electricity, gas and solar offers from providers, Energy Made Easy a free service for small businesses to compare energy usage and Green Electricity Guide by Greenpeace.
- Waste: Council's A to Z guide to recycling, Sustainability Victoria's waste audit worksheet, recycling in Port Phillip at the Resource Recovery Centre that accepts e-waste, plant pots, green waste, small car parts, cooking oils, motor oils and more and cigarette butts via TerraCycle. For Council waste and recycling services visit business waste and recycling.
Resources to support you
There’s lots of support out there, so make the most of what’s available. Here are a few links to resources:
Small business climate adaptation toolkit - an interactive toolkit with seven steps to help businesses prepare for climate change and prepare adaptation plans.
Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre – business practices, advice, programs, events, funding, and grant opportunities
Business Guide to declaring a Climate Emergency (PDF 1.1 MB) – business case tips, drafting a declaration and making it happen
Nine steps to a more sustainable bar, restaurant or café (PDF 162 KB)
Plug in to new energy tech – advice on solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles
Contact us
For questions about making your business more sustainable, contact the Sustainability and Climate Change team:
Email: enviro@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9209 6777