Green building fund opens for business

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has launched the Australian government's $90 million Green Building Fund.

"The program aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the day-to-day running of commercial office buildings. These buildings are a major contributor to the nation's emissions, making this a critical initiative," Carr said.

The program will provide grants to owners of existing commercial office buildings for retro-fitting and retro-commissioning projects that reduce energy consumption and emissions. It offers dollar-for-dollar support, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Eligible projects can include upgrades to office lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Improved glazing and shading, or investment in monitoring equipment and control systems to improve the building's energy efficiency, may also be covered.

"I'm especially keen to encourage projects that involve small, lower-grade buildings, where there is real scope for improvement. The program has been designed to support this," Carr said.

"Grants are also available to develop the knowledge, skills or capability of those involved in operating commercial office buildings, to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to relevant industry organisations, on a dollar-for-dollar basis."