New funding round supports community groups to build climate resilience
Round 2 of the $3.1 million Community Climate Change and Energy Action program has launched to enable more communities to invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. The fund invites community groups across Victoria to apply for grants of up to $50,000 which will reduce the energy bills, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of their community facilities.
Lowering energy bills and improving comfort
Community groups can apply to fund upgrades such as:
- switching to more efficient LED lighting
- upgrading older air conditioning units
- installing a solar hot water system
- converting their facility to solar electricity with solar battery storage.
Through this program community groups can not only reap the benefits of lower energy bills, but also lower their overall emissions output and enhance the comfort level of the facility, so that it is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The program is projected to save community groups up to $680,000 on energy bills annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,000 tonnes of Co2 equivalent per year.
Round one of the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program awarded grants to 115 community groups to have the energy use of their facilities assessed and to 52 community groups to install renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions. Grants were awarded across the state to a wide range of community groups, including sporting facilities, cultural centres, places of worship, neighbourhood houses, and kindergartens.
Round 2 applications open on Thursday 17 February and will close at 11:59 pm on Monday 4 April 2022.
An information session will be held on Thursday 24 February at 3:00 pm.
This program is supported through the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program and will contribute to reaching Victoria’s target of zero carbon emissions by 2050.