Sustainable Business Program

About the program

The Sustainable Business Program provides support in the areas of energy, transport, waste and water. Businesses can register for the free program to access rebates, resources, advice and accreditation.

Through the program, your business can:

• book a free onsite assessment from technical experts
• receive independent advice and a tailored action plan
• access resources, training and rebates
• become accredited and recognised as a Sustainable Business

Energy and rebates

Energy Advice

Our technical experts can provide all ACT businesses with free advice on ways to improve their energy efficiency; including transitioning off gas, installing solar panels and battery storage.

Small to medium ACT businesses can access a technical assessment and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. This could include heating, cooling, lighting and refrigeration.

Energy Rebates

Rebates are available for energy efficient upgrades including gas to electric upgrades as well as upgrades for heating, cooling, lighting and refrigeration.

The maximum rebate for electric-to-electric upgrades is $5,000 (incl GST), while gas-to-electric upgrades are capped at $10,000 (incl GST).

Rebates are only available for upgrades that have not yet commenced. Eligibility criteria applies.

Transport

Businesses can save money and act on climate change by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles or other zero emissions vehicles.

We can help you find out more and choose what is right for your business needs, including:

• administrative and procurement advice as well as assistance with business case development
• vehicle total cost of ownership calculation
• fleet data collection and tracking
• electric vehicle purchasing and leasing solutions.

Your business could also become a destination by installing charging infrastructure. Our technical experts can provide you with information on electric vehicle charging and infrastructure needs.

Waste

We can help you set up a better waste management system and train your staff to be sustainability champions.

We can help your business through:

• a 10-step waste guide
• doing a simple waste summary
• developing a waste management plan
• educating your staff
• reporting and monitoring.

We can also provide free resources and signage for your workplace.

Once you have implemented the steps you’ll become accredited. You’ll get a certificate to display and promotional material to market your efforts.

Water

Our technical experts can provide all ACT businesses with advice on ways to improve their water efficiency. This includes transitioning off gas, installing rain tanks and upgrading to more efficient products.

Small to medium ACT businesses can access a technical assessment and rebates for efficiency upgrades. This could include hot water systems, dishwashers, washing machines and rain tanks.

The maximum rebate for electric-to-electric upgrades is $5,000 (incl GST), while gas-to-electric upgrades are capped at $10,000 (incl GST).

The maximum rebate amount a business can claim across energy and water efficiency upgrades is $10,000.

Rebates are only available for upgrades that have not yet commenced. Eligibility criteria applies.

How it works

• You must register for the Sustainable Business Program.
• Our experts will visit your workplace and to discuss your businesses unique needs. They will work with you to develop a plan to access relevant ACT Government supports.
• You'll also join our recognition program. This shows your staff, customers and suppliers that you care about sustainability and reducing your emissions.

Who can take part

You can participate in the program if your business or organisation operates in the ACT.

Cost

It's free to register and participate.

Why it's important

The ACT is trying to lower greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve this we are preparing to electrify our city and transition away from the use of fossil fuel gas. Fossil fuel gas currently accounts for more than 20% of our emissions here in the ACT. Transport, particularly internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, accounts for about 60% of emissions. By being more energy-efficient, switching from gas, replacing ICE vehicles with zero emissions vehicles , and reducing waste to landfill you can reduce emissions, save money and help the planet. Saving water helps everyone to be more resilient to the effects of climate change.

What businesses say about the program

These businesses received support as part of the Sustainable Business Program.

US Embassy in Canberra

“With help from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program, we’ve reduced waste going to landfill from 580 cubic metres in 2012 to 125 cubic metres in 2022.” – Grace, Second Secretary

Urban Education Early Learning Centre

“We strive to create change using more efficient resources to protect our beautiful world, and the Sustainable Business Program has given us the tools to get there.” – Kylie, business owner.

Cooleman Court

“The Sustainable Business Program was instrumental in halving our waste going to landfill. Amazingly, the insight and support the program provided was all free of charge.” – Irini, centre manager.

Scott Leggo Gallery

“I’d encourage any business owner to contact the Sustainable Business Program team to see what energy and financial savings are possible.” – Scott, business owner.

Contact us

Email: sustainablebusiness@act.gov.au