Sustainable Business Program
Operating from a commercial premises? Your business may be eligible for up to $13,000 in rebates and technical advice.
Register now for a free onsite assessment and learn how your business can start saving.
About the program
The Sustainable Business Program provides support across four action areas; energy, transport, waste and water.
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 up to $13,000*
- become accredited and recognised as a Sustainable Business
*Eligible businesses may receive rebates of up to $10,000 for energy and water efficiency upgrades and up to $3,000 for an EV charger. All rebates require a co-contribution from the business.
Register nowEnergy
Our technical experts provide free advice on ways to improve energy efficiency at your business; including transitioning off gas, upgrading to energy efficient equipment, installing solar panels and battery storage.
Transport
Transition your business fleet to electric vehicles or other zero emissions vehicles. We can help your business through:
- 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 get support to become a charging destination with a rebate of up to $3,000 for installing charging infrastructure. Read the Sustainable Business Program Terms and Conditions for more information.
Waste
We can help you recycle more and waste less, plus train your staff to be sustainability champions. We can help your business through:
- auditing your current waste practices to look for new recycling opportunities
- developing a waste management plan
- educating your staff online or face-to-face
- reporting and monitoring
- resources and signage for your workplace.
Water
Our technical experts can provide advice on ways to improve water efficiency at your business; including fittings and fixtures, installing rainwater tanks and upgrading to more efficient products.
Recognition
Once you undertake at least one action area you will be added to our recognition program so your efforts can be shared with the Canberra community.
You’ll get a certificate to display and promotional material to market your efforts. This shows your staff, customers and suppliers that you care about sustainability and reducing your emissions.
How it works
- You must register for the Sustainable Business Program.
- Our experts will visit your workplace to discuss your needs and work with you to develop and implement a plan.
- You'll join our recognition program to show your staff, customers and suppliers that you care about sustainability.
Who can take part
You can participate in the program if your business or organisation operates in the ACT from a commercial premises.
Businesses that operate from a residential premises are not eligible for this Program but can access support through household programs.
Cost
It's free to register and participate.
Rebates are only available for upgrades that have not yet commenced. Eligibility criteria applies.
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 petrol and diesel vehicles with zero emissions vehicles, and reducing waste to landfill you can reduce emissions, save money and 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.
Register nowContact us
Email: sustainablebusiness@act.gov.au
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.