Save energy. Cut costs. Build a sustainable business.

Running a small business means balancing rising costs, shifting customer expectations and everyday pressures. Improving energy efficiency is a practical way to reduce operating expenses, strengthen your business for the future and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Small improvements can deliver real savings. Actions such as switching to LED lighting, improving heating and cooling settings or reducing after-hours energy use can help lower bills and improve comfort.

Longer-term investments such as solar, efficient hot water systems and equipment upgrades can help future-proof businesses against rising energy prices while reducing emissions.

Australian research also shows that customers increasingly value businesses that demonstrate practical sustainability actions.

Free resources for small business

SECCCA has supported local councils across the region to develop two free practical guides to help small businesses:

  • This practical checklist helps businesses identify quick wins and low-cost improvements that can save money, strengthen business operations and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. 

    The checklist includes:

    • Practical low cost actions

    • industry-specific tips

    • heating and cooling advice

    • lighting and equipment upgrades.

  • Before signing a lease, it is important to understand how the building you may rent will affect your future operating costs.

    This guide helps businesses ask the right questions about:

    • heating and cooling systems

    • insulation and glazing

    • solar and battery systems

    • lighting

    • water efficiency

    • sustainable transport

    • smart metering and energy monitoring.

    The checklist also helps businesses identify what the landlord can improve and what may be worthwhile for businesses to invest in themselves.

Need more support?

If you want to know more about energy efficiency opportunities for small businesses, visit:

  • Visit Energy Victoria - Your Business Energy Use for more details on understanding your energy use.

  • Some councils are offering subsidised energy audits and other offers through Business Energy Savers for Small Businesses. 

  • The Victorian Government offers rebates and discounts for small businesses on a range of appliances and equipment, from hot water, space heating and cooling, refrigeration, to custom upgrades. Get more information at the Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business. 

  • You may be eligible for Sustainability Victoria’s Small Business Energy Saver Program, which provides small businesses with a significant discount that, in some cases, may cover up to 100% of the full equipment and installation costs, meaning there are minimal upfront costs for businesses.

  • ‍ The Australian Government offers a range of programs to help businesses with the upfront cost of solar panels and batteries.

  • CitySwitch offers free resources and advice to help office-based businesses get to net zero emissions.