Aurrum Aged Care has become the latest Yarra Valley business to install a solar power system through the Environmental Upgrade Agreement program from Yarra Ranges council and the Sustainable Melbourne Fund.
Aurrum has installed over 300 solar panels producing 99 kilowatts of power and general manager Peter Cullen said this was a leap forward in ensuring the environmental sustainability of the facility.
“Aurrum are delighted to partner with the Council and Sustainable Melbourne to undertake this transformational project,” he said. “We are committed to continued investment in the community and local projects.”
The Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) program allows businesses or commercial property owners to finance environmental upgrades, such as solar power, and repay the loan through their council rates.
Yarra Ranges Councillor, Fiona McAllister said that Aurrum Aged Care was the third businesses in the Yarra Valley to sign an EUA with the council.
“Last year we had fantastic success with Four Pillars Gin Distillery installing a solar system which has dramatically reduced their reliance on the main grid.
“We’re having some great conversations with businesses across Yarra Ranges who will be able to benefit from an EUA and it is expected that there will be a few more projects underway this year.
“As one of our larger aged care facilities on this side of the valley, offsetting power through solar panels will have a huge impact to their running costs and will reduce their environmental footprint.”
Scott Bocskay, Chief Executive at the Sustainable Melbourne Fund, said that Victoria is the fastest growing EUA market in Australia.
“We are proud to work with these leading local businesses, such as Aurrum and Four Pillars, to demonstrate the broad application of EUAs to finance projects like rooftop mounted solar and batteries,” he said.
“It’s great to have councils like Yarra Ranges joining in to support the local business community.”
To find out more about the EUA program go to www.sustainablemelbournefund.com.au
