“AU$16.4 million worth of projects make up the third round of the AU$90m Green Building Fund, a Rudd government initiative that reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by retrofitting commercial office buildings,” says minister Kim Carr.

“Projected savings in GHG emissions from projects supported by the fund so far total over 101,000 tonnes a year. These projects combat climate change and support Australia’s economic recovery by generating investment of almost US$75m.”

The latest funding for 37 projects, which include renewable energy, will reduce GHG emissions by 38,000 tonnes a year.

One project in Albury (NSW) received AU$127,359 to install a 20 kW solar grid-feed solar power system, while a building in Forrest (ACT) received AU$550,000 to install a solar water heating system as well as other measures. A project in Port Adelaide (VIC) involves the redevelopment of a historic building by incorporating renewable systems which export to the grid.

“By increasing energy efficiency, successful recipients are reducing their power bills along with their GHG emissions, and that means ongoing savings for business,” adds Carr. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we currently face and the AU$90m Green Building Fund is just one of the ways the Rudd government is responding to this challenge.”

The next rounds for the programme will close on 12 January.