Greener buildings in Melbourne’s East
On Thursday, 5th of August, 2010, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Federal Labor Member for Deakin Mike Symon MP visited an East Burwood company that has cut its energy consumption with support from the Gillard Labor Government’s Green Building Fund.
APV Nominees received over $470,000 from the Green Building Fund last year to reduce the environmental impact of its premises at 33 Lakeside Drive, East Burwood.
“This local project will cut emissions and deliver an upgraded asset. I applaud the Green Building Fund for helping local innovation and for dealing with climate change,” said Mr Symon.
“The Green Building Fund is an essential part of the Gillard Government’s strategy to tackle climate change,” Senator Carr said.
“So far, it has provided over $70 million to building owners to retrofit existing buildings and to build industry capabilities, resulting in a cleaner and greener built environment.”
The project included the installation of a new, evaporative, air-cooled chiller and the application of high-performance window film, significantly reducing the property’s energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Gillard Government recently announced an additional $30 million in support for the Green Building Fund. It is estimated that this will assist another 80 owners to reduce the environmental footprint of their commercial properties. The expanded Green Building Fund will also be open to some hotels and shopping centres.
Liberal leader Tony Abbott has said that if elected, a Coalition Government would cut support for the Green Building Fund, with many Australian businesses missing out on help to prepare for a greener future.
“Cutting a program as successful as the Green Building Fund is a short-sighted move that will damage both the environment and business,” said Senator Carr.
For more information on the Green Building Fund, visit www.ausindustry.gov.au, call the hotline on 13 28 46, or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au.
