West Australian Industry is increasingly imposing climate sustainability objectives on their supply chain. At the end of January, Premier McGowan’s media statement to introduce climate change legislation was welcomed by the Australian Furniture Association. The legislation addresses the following key deliverables:
- Legislation will provide a framework for Western Australia’s climate response
- Formalise State Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050
- Creates statutory requirements to set emission reduction targets
- Provides certainty for businesses and investors while enhancing climate resilience
- To enable your business to be successful, your carbon emissions reduction strategies will become ever more critical.
Last year, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) undertook a study (Read HERE) and found that over two thirds of WA businesses are willing to pay more on their energy bills to support achieving net-zero emissions. Willingness to pay varies across industries, but on average, WA businesses are willing to pay 12 per cent more. To fully understand its emissions profile, a business needs to have an intimate understanding of every aspect of its operations, and how and to what extent these activities create emissions. This is a daunting process for many.
The Australian government has just launched grants to help small to medium enterprises improve energy efficiency (read more below). This will certainly assist SMEs with these activities. The Australian Government will soon be launching a new grants program to support small and medium enterprises to become more energy efficient, ease pressure on their energy bills and reduce emissions.
$16 million will be available in the first round of the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises program. Grant applications will be open from 10am AEDT Monday 6 March 2023 to 5pm AEST Wednesday 19 April 2023, or until funds are exhausted. The AFA provides support to AFA members to apply for these grants. Complete your EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM HERE to activate your application now!
Grants valued from $10,000 up to $25,000 will be available for small and medium businesses to monitor energy use and upgrade or replace equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
The grants can be used on a range of energy efficiency measures including installing heat pumps, lighting upgrades, space and water heating improvements and energy monitoring systems. For details of eligible activities, read the grant guidelines.
This is a demand-driven grant opportunity with grants awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis until the funding is exhausted in each jurisdiction.
The funding will support the uptake of new technologies to improve energy affordability and productivity, benefitting the wider economy and lowering carbon emissions.