Operating a sustainable business in the ACT

Whether you work from home, an office, workshop, or the back of a ute, we can help you save money and reduce emissions. Use less energy, save water, recycle more and waste less. Switch from gas to efficient electric appliances. It'll save you money and help your business adapt to a changing climate. Everyone can take action with a few small steps.

Energy

Improving energy efficiency is a great way to reduce your business energy bills. So is switching from gas to electric appliances. Energy efficient electric appliances have lower running costs and are better for your health.

The ACT is committed to phasing out fossil fuel gas by 2045. An all-electric Canberra will allow us to power our city, homes, businesses, and transport in a cleaner and cheaper way.

Small to medium businesses may be eligible for support through the Sustainable Business Program. The program aims to help ACT businesses transition off gas and upgrade to energy-efficient products such as heating, cooling and insulation. The program offers free expert advice and financial assistance.

The Sustainable Business Program can also provide businesses with advice on energy efficiency including transitioning off gas, installing solar panels and battery storage.

The Business Lighting Efficiency Webtool suggests possible upgrades and potential savings for your business.

On average, small businesses save over $2,000 in annual energy costs when they upgrade to efficient electric appliances.

Transport

Businesses can save money and act on climate change by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles or other zero emissions vehicles.

Your business could become a charging destination by installing charging infrastructure. The ACT Government offers targeted advice and support to electrify your fleet through the Sustainable Business Program.

Switching to an electric vehicle could save you around $18,000 on running costs over 10 years and can help reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 tonnes per year.

Recycling and waste

Waste to landfill accounts for a tenth of the ACTs greenhouse gas emissions. Your business can help reduce this by recycling more and wasting less.

The ACT Government helps make recycling at work simple. The Sustainable Business Program can help you set up a better waste management system and train your staff to be sustainability champions.

The Sustainable Business Program can also provide your business with free advice and resources to help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. You can also get accreditation for your efforts.

If you’re hosting a public event, the Sustainable Event Program can help you with free advice, signage and equipment.

You can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by over 30% when food waste is separated from your landfill bin.

Single Use Plastics

We've banned some single-use plastics, and we're phasing out more. Change to reusable items and teach your staff and customers about the rules. Get help to run a plastic free event.

Water and Plants

Change your water usage habits and reduce your water bills.

Small businesses may be eligible for rebates for upgrades to water-efficient products such as dishwashers, washing machines and hot water systems through the Sustainable Business Program.

A dripping tap can waste more than 2,000 litres of water a month. That’s 24,000 litres a year!

Apply for a Nature in the City Grant to improve the landscape at your business or in your local area. Not for profit businesses can also apply for a Community Garden Grant.

Sustainable Business Program

The ACT Government supports businesses to reduce emissions, become more energy efficient and cut running costs through the Sustainable Business 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 (eligibility criteria apply)
  • become accredited and recognised as a Sustainable Business
Register your interest

Climate Choices Business Awards

The Climate Choices Business Awards recognise the achievements of Canberra businesses and public event organisers who are making an outstanding contribution to sustainability and climate action in our community.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Climate Choices Business Awards. Learn more and nominate now.

Growing our clean economy

Canberra is an attractive location for renewable energy businesses. We aim to attract renewable energy investment and research. We’re also committed to other energy efficiency programs, such as the Big Canberra Battery

Funding may be available to support your renewable energy innovation through the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.

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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.