Environmental Upgrade Finance

Local businesses can access Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) to help fund projects that help them save money and improve their economic and environmental performance.

EUF is a loan for building upgrade works, which are repaid back via quarterly council rates. A lender provides the upfront capital for the works, which the business then repays through the council rates system over periods of up to 20 years. We will then remit it back to the lender.

We have partnered with Better Building Finance to offer this to local businesses. Visit the Better Building Finance website for more details.

 

Steps

Step 1.Scope your upgrade

Scope your environmental upgrade project with a contractor and get a quote. Make sure that it is an eligible upgrade.

Step 2.Read the terms and conditions

Familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions, and application form on the Better Building Finance website

Step 3.Start your application

Start your application on the Better Building website. Once your provide your details, the Better Building team will be in touch.

Start application

Step 4.Complete your application

Better Building will help you to complete your application and connect you with participating lenders

Step 5.Get your loan

Lender provides the upfront capital for the upgrade project.

Step 6.Repayments

Owner (and/or tenant) makes repayments via an Environmental Upgrade Charge (EUC) on council rates.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria listed below as well as any credit criteria set by the lender:

  • Upgrade to existing buildings, located on rateable land within the council boundaries
  • The proposed works should deliver a positive and quantifiable environmental outcome such as energy and/or water savings or waste minimisation
  • Must be up to date on all rates and charges due to council
  • Property type must be predominantly non-residential (such as commercial or industrial) and not be owned by a self-managed superannuation fund.

Learn more about eligibility by contacting Building Better Finance.

What can be funded?

EUF can be used to fund a broad range of upgrade works, such as solar, waste, and water projects. It just needs to improve the energy, water, environmental efficiency or sustainability of existing buildings. Popular projects include:

  • Solar PV systems
  • Energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits
  • Lighting upgrades e.g. LED, lighting controls and daylight sensors
  • Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • Efficient control equipment e.g. power control of motors, pumps, boilers and air heating/cooling systems
  • Water harvestings, filtration, recycling and treatment for re-use