Bendigo Bank and Carbon Down encourage businesses to save energy

With energy prices set to rise, Victorian businesses are being encouraged to reduce their energy consumption and protect their business against price impacts through an energy-saving initiative from Bendigo Bank and Carbon Down.

Bendigo Bank’s Head of Environment and Sustainability, Trudy Ellery, said electricity use accounted for 71% of the average business’ carbon footprint but, by making a few simple changes, every business could reduce its energy consumption and save money.

“Electrical items left on stand-by account for more than 6% of Australia’s commercial electricity usage, costing the business community more than $588 million each year,” Ellery said.

“Many Australians businesses are inclined to leave their appliances on stand-by without realising the significant impact that stand-by power has on their energy consumption and power bills.”

Bendigo Bank is giving Victorian businesses the opportunity to win $10,000 through its Generation Green Energy Saver Initiative by advising what their business has done or could do to save energy and reduce its environmental impact.

The first 5000 entrants will receive an energy-saving power board with a retail value of $49.95.

The most innovative responses will receive the following prizes:

• First prize: $10,000 to spend on improving their business’ energy efficiency
• Second prize: Bendigo Bank Financial Planning Advice and Services valued at $5000
• Third prize: A Business Energy Assessment from VECCI Sustainability Services valued at $1000

To enter, visit the Generation Green website www.bendigobank.com.au/generationgreen. Entries close at midnight on Tuesday 31 May 2011.