The Andrews Labor Government today reinstated the award winning Greener Government Buildings Program (GGB) which was scrapped under the former Coalition Government in 2013.
Funded through the recently issued Victorian Green Bonds, the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes each year and save up to $100 million in the longer term by slashing the energy use of government buildings.
The Government will reboot the program with a $33 million investment in the next two years to save energy and reduce greenhouse emissions across a number of government buildings and infrastructure. This will include:
- Installing new lighting technologies and upgrading heating and cooling systems at Gordon TAFE in Geelong, and Peninsula Health facilities, including the Frankston Hospital
- Replacing all of Victoria’s freeway lighting with efficient and long lasting LED technology
- Installing solar power and highly-efficient LED lighting in hundreds of Victorian schools and regional healthcare facilities.
Money saved on energy bills will repay the initial investment in just five years and will continue to save energy for years to come.
This not only brings environmental benefits, but it strengthens the State’s finances, saving about $6 million a year over 15 years in addition to avoided capital investment costs.
Following on from the Government’s recently announced Take 2 Pledge Program, these investments are estimated to result in the abatement of 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. That’s equivalent to 5500 cars or 3600 households.
The GGB program – awarded the Premier’s Sustainability Award in 2011 – further supports the growth of clean energy and technology industries, creating jobs and strengthening Victoria’s position as the centre of excellence for energy efficiency.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott
“Unlike the former Coalition Government, the Andrews Labor Government is leading the way when it comes to tackling climate change.”
“The Greener Government Buildings Program will save an estimated $100 million and proves that greenhouse gas abatement does not need to be expensive.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The GGB program not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but it actually results in an overall cost saving to government over time.”
“This will contribute to the Victorian Take 2 Pledge Program, and will support over 100 new jobs in the energy efficiency market.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020